Per Falla et al. 2002 Head & Neck Specific site

M. Sternocleidomastoideus

Sternocleidomastoid (SCM L)

Electrode placement (Falla et al. 2002)

Sternal head, 1/3 of the way from the jugular notch to the mastoid process (lower third, below the innervation zone)

OrientationParallel to muscle fiber direction

Show on the 3D model Source: Falla et al. 2002 ↗ · Recording notes

Electrode position on the 3D model: M. Sternocleidomastoideus (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 „Sternocleidomastoid (SCM)“, p. 279

Placement type: Specific site The signal originates predominantly from this muscle.
Signal check: Rotate, side-bend or flex the head.
Crosstalk from: upper trapezius · scalenes · cervical neck/head muscle groups
Artefacts: ECG pickup, increased if electrodes sit too far anteriorly.

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

Source: Falla et al. 2002 ↗

Falla D, Dall'Alba P, Rainoldi A, Merletti R, Jull G. Location of innervation zones of sternocleidomastoid and scalene muscles - a basis for clinical and research electromyography applications. Clin Neurophysiol. 2002;113(1):57-63.

Methodological background of the source

Falla et al. (2002) located the innervation zones of the sternocleidomastoid (sternal and clavicular head) and the anterior scalene using a linear array of 8 electrodes in 11 subjects. The zones lay consistently around the midpoint or in the superior portion of the muscle; the authors therefore recommend electrodes over the lower portion of the muscle rather than the midpoint. The position follows this recommendation and is therefore justified electrophysiologically, not just anatomically.

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 Why the Electrode Must Not Sit on the Innervation Zone → 10 Factors That Distort Your EMG Signal →

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. Sternocleidomastoideus (Sternocleidomastoid) is a muscle of the head & neck region. It is responsible for ipsilateral lateral flexion, contralateral rotation, cervical spine flexion, accessory respiratory muscle. 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 Ipsilateral lateral flexion, contralateral rotation, cervical spine flexion, accessory respiratory muscle Origin Manubrium of sternum, medial third of clavicle Insertion Mastoid process, superior nuchal line Innervation Spinal accessory nerve (XI), from the upper five cervical ventral roots

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

Test Movement

Head rotation to opposite side against resistance

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

Measure M. Sternocleidomastoideus 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. Sternocleidomastoideus?

Sternal head, 1/3 of the way from the jugular notch to the mastoid process (lower third, below the innervation zone). Orientation: Parallel to muscle fiber direction. Not covered by SENIAM — placement per Falla et al. 2002.

Which test movement activates the M. Sternocleidomastoideus?

Head rotation to opposite side 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. Sternocleidomastoideus a SENIAM-recommended muscle?

No. The M. Sternocleidomastoideus is not included in the official SENIAM catalogue. The electrode position documented here follows the established protocol per Falla et al. 2002.