Per Merlo et al. 2021 Forearm Quasi-specific site

M. Brachioradialis

Brachioradialis (BrachioR R)

Electrode placement (Merlo et al. 2021)

OrientationParallel to the radius

Show on the 3D model Source: Merlo et al. 2021 ↗ · Recording notes

Electrode position on the 3D model: M. Brachioradialis (muscle highlighted, sensor in place)

Preview — open the 3D viewer to rotate the model and check neighbouring muscles. View in 3D Viewer

Recording notes & source

per Criswell 2011, site „Brachioradialis“, p. 321

Placement type: Quasi-specific site Neighbouring muscles contribute noticeably to the signal — allow for crosstalk.
Signal check: Flex the forearm.
Crosstalk from: extensor carpi radialis longus/brevis — a major issue at this site per Criswell

Print as a session sheet · A4 with landmarks, signal check and MVC test

Source: Merlo et al. 2021 ↗

Merlo A, Bo MC, Campanini I. Electrode Size and Placement for Surface EMG Bipolar Detection from the Brachioradialis Muscle: A Scoping Review. Sensors (Basel). 2021;21(21):7322.

Methodological background of the source

Merlo et al. (2021) reviewed the published electrode sizes and placements for the brachioradialis in a scoping review. The position shown here follows the recommendation of that review, which takes particular account of the distance to the innervation zone and the avoidance of crosstalk from the wrist extensors.

Based on SENIAM recommendations (Hermens et al. 2000). Not an official SENIAM product. See all references → · SENIAM reference table · How electrodes are placed (guide) · Glossary

Go deeper Specific, Quasi-Specific, General — The Three Types of Surface EMG Placement → Can I Measure This Muscle With Surface EMG? →

All 49 muscle protocols as a PDF — free

Print-ready for the lab or clinic: 77 pages of protocols (SENIAM + peer-reviewed), plus the SENIAM table, a placement checklist and a sensor comparison sheet as A4 sheets.

Anatomy & Function

The M. Brachioradialis (Brachioradialis) is a muscle of the forearm region. It is responsible for elbow flexion, pronation/supination to neutral position. This muscle is not covered by the official SENIAM catalogue — placement is based on established clinical literature. This page documents the exact electrode position, anatomical attachments and a standardized test movement based on Hermens et al. (2000).

Function Elbow flexion, pronation/supination to neutral position Origin Lateral margin of the humerus (distal), lateral intermuscular septum Insertion Styloid process of the radius Innervation Radial nerve (posterior cord), C5–C7

Innervation after Perotto AO, Anatomical Guide for the Electromyographer, 5th ed. 2011 — an anatomical reference, not an electrode placement recommendation.

Test Movement

Elbow flexion in neutral position (thumb up) against resistance

This muscle has no SENIAM-standardized electrode position. Placement should be based on anatomical knowledge.

Detail: group test, sensor on the reference muscle of the group (M. Biceps Brachii) — Group test — image shows the reference muscle of the group (M. Biceps Brachii). Illustration shows the left side; the set-up is mirrored for the right side.

MVC reference test (Konrad 2005)

Position: Seated or kneeling in front of a bench, elbow at about 90°, forearm supinated.
Fixation: Very stable fixation of elbow and trunk; the upper arm stays vertical at the side.
Resistance: Rigid resistance under the wrist (strap to the floor, bar or manual), elbow flexion against it.
Control exercise: Use the latissimus dorsi test as a control exercise.

Without elbow and trunk fixation the effort leaks into the shoulder and the biceps never reaches its maximum.

Konrad P. The ABC of EMG. Noraxon; 2005, p. 31. Konrad describes this test at group level; it applies to all muscles of the group. · Why and how to normalise to MVC

Measure M. Brachioradialis activity live

The electrode is placed — what next? easyEMG visualises muscle activity in real time, with SENIAM-compliant placement guidance, up to 4 channels at once and biofeedback training right afterwards.

In therapy, this muscle is usually about tone regulation and consciously relaxing below a threshold.

EMG biofeedback in therapy → What is EMG biofeedback? PicoBlue sensors

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I place the EMG electrode on the M. Brachioradialis?

On the muscle belly slightly distal to the innervation zone in the proximal third (line lateral epicondyle – radial styloid process), on the longitudinal midline; avoid the most proximal part of the belly. Orientation: Parallel to the radius. Not covered by SENIAM — placement per Merlo et al. 2021.

Which test movement activates the M. Brachioradialis?

Elbow flexion in neutral position (thumb up) against resistance. It serves as a signal check before recording: with correct electrode placement the EMG amplitude rises clearly during this movement.

Is the M. Brachioradialis a SENIAM-recommended muscle?

No. The M. Brachioradialis is not included in the official SENIAM catalogue. The electrode position documented here follows the established protocol per Merlo et al. 2021.