Tensor Fasciae Latae (left) — SENIAM EMG Electrode Placement

Recording notes & source

per Criswell 2011, site „Tensor Fasciae Latae“, p. 357

Placement type: Specific site The signal originates predominantly from this muscle.
Signal check: Standing on one leg; abduction of the leg with internal rotation; walking.

The position above follows SENIAM; the crosstalk and artefact notes apply to surface recording of this muscle in general.

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

Source: SENIAM (Hermens 2000) ↗

Hermens HJ, Freriks B, Disselhorst-Klug C, Rau G. Development of recommendations for SEMG sensors and sensor placement procedures. J Electromyogr Kinesiol. 2000;10(5):361-74.

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 Which Muscles Cannot Be Measured With Surface EMG — and Why → MVC Normalisation — Why Microvolts Alone Say Nothing →

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. Tensor Fasciae Latae (Tensor Fasciae Latae) is a muscle of the hip region. It is responsible for hip flexion, abduction and internal rotation, tensioning of the iliotibial tract, knee stabilization. This muscle is one of 26 with official SENIAM-recommended surface EMG electrode placement. This page documents the exact electrode position, anatomical attachments and a standardized test movement based on Hermens et al. (2000).

Function Hip flexion, abduction and internal rotation, tensioning of the iliotibial tract, knee stabilization Origin Anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS), iliac crest (anterior section) Insertion Iliotibial tract -> lateral tibial condyle (Gerdy's tubercle) Innervation Superior gluteal nerve, L4–S1

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

Clinical applications (SENIAM)

Hip rehabilitation after arthroplasty
Gluteus medius weakness in runners
Trendelenburg sign EMG analysis

Test Movement

Hip flexion with abduction and internal rotation against resistance

Measure M. Tensor Fasciae Latae 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 rehabilitation, the Tensor Fasciae Latae is typically recorded to track progress and retrain activation.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I place the EMG electrode on the M. Tensor Fasciae Latae?

Proximal 1/6 on line ASIS-lateral femoral condyle. Orientation: Parallel to line ASIS-lateral femoral condyle. Based on the official SENIAM recommendations (Hermens et al. 2000).

Which test movement activates the M. Tensor Fasciae Latae?

Hip flexion with abduction and internal rotation against resistance. This movement is part of the SENIAM protocol for standardized contraction verification.

Is the M. Tensor Fasciae Latae a SENIAM-recommended muscle?

Yes. The M. Tensor Fasciae Latae is one of 26 muscles for which the SENIAM project has published official surface EMG electrode placement recommendations.

M. Tensor Fasciae Latae

Electrode Placement (SENIAM)