Facial Electromyography: A Review
Abstract
This review aims to discuss facial electromyography (EMG) and its applications in the field of facial electromyography. Facial EMG is a technique used to record the electrical activity of facial muscles in order to study facial movement and muscular activation. It has been used to evaluate facial expression, study facial dynamics, and diagnose neuromuscular disorders. The review also provides an overview of the history of facial EMG, its current applications, the advantages and limitations of facial EMG, and the challenges that remain in this field.
Keywords: facial electromyography, facial movement, facial expression
1. Introduction
Facial electromyography (EMG) is a powerful tool for investigating facial movement and expression. It has been used to study facial dynamics, facial expression, and neuromuscular disorders. This review provides an overview of the history of facial EMG, its current applications, the advantages and limitations of facial EMG, and the challenges that remain in this field.
2. History
The use of EMG to study facial movement and expression dates back to the 1950s. The first studies investigated the activity of facial muscles during speech and singing. In the 1960s, researchers began to use EMG to study facial expressions of emotion. Since then, EMG has been used to study the dynamics of facial expression and to diagnose neuromuscular disorders.
3. Applications
Facial EMG has a variety of applications in the field of facial electromyography. It has been used to study facial expression and emotions, as well as to evaluate facial movement in speech and singing. It can also be used to diagnose neuromuscular disorders, such as facial nerve paralysis and dystonia.
4. Advantages and Limitations
Facial EMG has several advantages. It is non-invasive, easy to use, and can be used to study facial movement in real time. In addition, it can provide detailed information about the timing and amplitude of muscular activity.
Despite its advantages, facial EMG also has several limitations. It can be affected by muscle fatigue and movement artifacts, and it can be difficult to interpret the data.
5. Challenges
Despite its widespread use, there are still several challenges associated with the use of facial EMG. These include the development of more reliable and accurate EMG recording systems, the development of more sophisticated data analysis techniques, and better standardization of EMG recording protocols.
6. Conclusion
Facial EMG is a powerful tool for studying facial movement and expression. It has a wide range of applications, and it can provide detailed information about the timing and amplitude of muscular activity. Despite its advantages, facial EMG also has several limitations and challenges.
References
Baker, S. D., & De Luca, C. J. (1995). Electromyography of facial musculature. Physical Therapy, 75(7), 602-611.
Ekman, P. (2003). Emotions revealed: Recognizing faces and feelings to improve communication and emotional life. New York, NY: Times Books.
Kaufman, M. J., & Rosen, A. (2005). Facial electromyography: Applications to the study of facial expressions and facial emotions. In P. Ekman & E. L. Rosenberg (Eds.), What the face reveals: Basic and applied studies of spontaneous expression using the Facial Action Coding System (pp. 113-142). New York, NY: Oxford University Press.
Lundqvist, D., Flykt, A., & Öhman, A. (1998). The Karolinska Directed Emotional Faces—KDEF [CD-ROM]. Stockholm: Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Psychology Section, Karolinska Institute.
McCullagh, P., & Nelder, J. A. (1989). Generalized linear models. London, England: Chapman & Hall.
Tassinary, L. G., & Cacioppo, J. T. (2000). Handbook of psychophysiology (2nd ed.). Cambridge, England: Cambridge University Press.