Electromyography (EMG) is the established standard for evaluating neuromuscular activation, yet its clinical utility is constrained by skin impedance changes, electrical noise, and motion artefacts. More recently, mechanomyography (MMG) which measures the mechanical behavior and oscillations produced during muscle contraction, has emerged as a promising complementary or alternative modality with advantages in signal stability and resistance to interference, particularly in rehabilitation settings. This systematic review synthesizes findings from twenty-five studies comparing MMG and EMG under matched experimental conditions or which provided indirect evidence on their relative performance. The analysis revealed consistent agreement between modalities in detecting muscle activation and fatigue, which MMG often demonstrating greater robustness in electrically noisy environment and during neuromuscular electrical stimulation. MMG also provided distinctive mechanical insights during concentric contractions and relaxation phases, where EMG performance was more variable. However, substantial heterogeneity in MMG sensor types, frequency-domain processing, and reporting standards, represent a central barrier to its broader clinical adoption. Overall, the evidence positions MMG as a valuable adjunct, and in selected contexts, a practical alternative to EMG for muscle function assessment. Standardised acquisition protocols and consensus-based guidelines are needed to establish methodological consistency and maximise the translation potential of MMG in rehabilitation and clinical practice.
EARICHAPPAN et al. (Thu,) studied this question.