Per Falla et al. 2002 Head & Neck Right

M. Sternocleidomastoideus

Sternocleidomastoid (SCM R)

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

Opposite side: SCM L

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

Electrode Placement (SENIAM)

1/3 from mastoid process to jugular notch

Orientation: Parallel to muscle fiber direction

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) mapped the innervation zones of the sternocleidomastoid and scalene muscles using multi-channel surface EMG. The paper explains why the electrodes are deliberately placed away from the innervation zone: over the innervation zone, amplitude cancellation and unstable signals occur. The position is therefore justified electrophysiologically, not just anatomically.

Recording notes 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.

Based on SENIAM recommendations (Hermens et al. 2000). Not an official SENIAM product. See all references → · 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 48 muscle protocols as a PDF — free

Print-ready for the lab or clinic: 84 pages of protocols (SENIAM + peer-reviewed), plus the SENIAM table, a placement checklist and a sensor comparison sheet as A4 sheets.

Anatomy

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?

Frequently Asked Questions

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

1/3 from mastoid process to jugular notch. 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.