What kind of sEMG response is characterized by enhanced activity in the presence of compression?

The sustained firing pattern is characterized by continuous, increased muscle activity in the presence of compression. This type of response is often observed when there is a mechanical stimulus applied to the tissue, such as pressure or compression, which results in prolonged activation of the motor units. The sustained firing pattern indicates that the muscle is responding to the stimulus by maintaining a level of contraction over an extended period, reflecting the body’s adaptive response to protect the area or respond to potential injury.

In the context of sEMG, a sustained firing pattern would suggest that the nerve or muscle is exhibiting heightened responsiveness due to the compressive forces, leading to a continuous signal being recorded. This differs from other firing patterns, such as normal or intermittent, which do not demonstrate the same level of continuous muscle activity in response to compression. Understanding these patterns is crucial for intraoperative monitoring, as they can help inform clinicians about the status of neural structures and any potential compromises during surgical interventions.