Showing posts with label data acquisition software. Show all posts

Data Logging | Lumbar Multifidus (LM) Muscle

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The lumbar multifidus (LM) muscle is an important muscle that works to stabilize certain spinal segments as well as control the extension moment of the lumbar spine. Studies have shown that this muscle can be atrophied in people with chronic lower back pain. Physical therapists thus frequently use lumbar extensor strengthening or stabilization exercises for treatment of lower back pain.  Researchers are still uncertain about the influence of surface electromyographic (EMG) activity on lower back pain treatment outcomes. Recent research has focused mostly on EMG levels during prone trunk extension (PTE) exercises and four-point kneeling contralateral arm and leg lift (FPKAL) exercises. These recent studies however have not focused on the selective activation of LM muscles during lower back pain treatment exercises.

http://www.biopac.com/BioNomadix-LoggerJun-Seok Kim, Min-Hyeok Kang, Jun-Hyeok Jang, and Jae-Seop Oh thus sought to study exactly that so as to provide an experimental study that established the efficacy of the exercises as therapeutic treatment. The researchers gathered a group of twenty healthy individuals without lower back pain who had not participated in lumbar strengthening or stabilization exercises during the previous six months. Surface EMG data was collected from the volunteers using a BIOPAC MP150 data acquisition and analysis system as they performed the various exercises. The study found that selective activation was higher during the FPKAL exercise than PTE, thus showing it is the better and more effective way to treat lower back pain. While the experiment provides good data for evaluating therapeutic exercises, future evaluation in an actual physical therapy setting would prove beneficial.

BIOPAC’s wireless BioNomadix Logger allows this type of research to continue outside the laboratory. Subjects who suffer lower back pain, for example, could wear the BIOPAC logging device when they are performing PTE or FPKAL at home or during a therapeutic session. The BioNomadix Logger’s portable size and 24 hour data logging capability makes this type of surface EMG recording outside the lab incredibly easy and would provide more insightful evidence into effects of different therapeutic exercises.

ECG Analysis of Putting Tournament

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An electrocardiogram (ECG; a.k.a. EKG) recording can be extremely useful for analysis of a variety of physiological studies. When combined with automated ECG analysis software, researchers can identify ECG intervals, assess heart rate variability (HRV), classify heart beats, and much more. ECG analysis results can be used with other parameters to perform a complete physiological examination. Analyzing changes in ECG rhythms can provide valuable insight into stress, arousal, and exercise research. A wide range of physiological studies incorporate ECG results, such as a recent one performed measuring cognitive workloads of participants during a competitive golf putting tournament. The researchers set about to compare whether kinematic or psychological factors were more important for participant’s putting performance. Since putting requires more delicacy and precision on the part of the golfer, they hypothesized that psychological factors would be just as important --if not more-- than kinematic factors. The participants were divided into three groups, arranged by skill level, and given the CSAI-2 test, an exam that scored the participants’ self-confidence in the competitive environment. The groups then performed in 8 tournaments of putting 2.1m from the hole. The researchers used a BIOPAC ECG module to record and analyze heart rate and HRV, which they ranked as either high or low. They found that the winners of the tournament had a lower HRV frequency, which was associated with a lower mental workload. There were also big differences in self-confidence scores on the CSAI-2 between the winners and losers of the groups (specifically of the highest skill level group). The results indicate that participants with lower mental stress performed better, meaning that psychological factors are important to putting ability. Although more research needs to be done, the results seem to indicate that psychological factors seem to be more important to a golfer’s short game.

EEG Data Acquisition

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BIOPAC offers a wide range of tools for recording and analyzing human or animal EEG signals. Available hardware includes the EEG100C amplifier, which amplifies bioelectric potentials associated with neuronal activity of the brain and can be used to perform unipolar or bipolar EEG measurements. The amplifier output can be switched between normal EEG and alpha wave detection. The 0.005 Hz HP setting will support Slow Cortical Potential measurement in the EEG. The Alpha detection mode outputs a smoothed wave with a peak indicating maximal alpha activity (signal energy in the 8-13 Hz frequency range).

EEG can now also be recorded from an MRI using the EEG100C-MRI smart amplifier. Data recording is easier and final results are cleaner when using the smart amplifier to derive EEG signals during fMRI or MRI. The unit incorporates advance signal processing to remove spurious MRI artifacts from physiological data. The MRI version of the EEG100C can still be sampled at the same rate as the normal amplifier during recording. This is because the MRI related artifacts are removed from the source, thus still leaving a perfectly recorded EEG signal. 

The amplifier includes a number of helpful features that improve derived EEG signals. There is less sensitivity to electrode and transducer lead placement and improved gain selectability. The unit minimizes computer based real-time or post-processing signal processing for faster data analysis. Cleaner data is available as a real-time analog output for easy analysis. The EEG100C-MRI contains the same functionality as the normal amplifier with the added compatibility with MRI cable and filter sets. 

AcqKnowledge provides powerful EEG analysis solutions. Use AcqKnowledge software to automatically filter raw EEG signal for Alpha, Beta, Theta, and Gamma wave activity and provide full frequency analysis of the data. AcqKnowledge contains powerful EEG analysis that provides a fully automated, epoch driven, analysis of the signal. The software also will remove any EOG artifacts from the signals. 

BIOPAC also offers a suite of wireless EEG solutions for mobile data recording. The Mobita, BioNomadix, and B-Alert X10 units all provide powerful wireless recording alternatives for EEG. The hardware allows for recording of EEG ranging from a single channel to up to 32 channels of data. Combined with AcqKnowledge software, the BIOPAC range of EEG recording products encompasses any need for in-lab recording, real-world and MRI applications. Learn more at EEG Applications http://www.biopac.com/eeg-electroencephalography

Data Hardware & Software Platforms

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Data acquisition hardware and software requirements vary widely based on experiment protocol, classroom setup, field studies, etc. BIOPAC data acquisition hardware platforms support wired, wireless, and fMRI setups, for human or animal subjects, with powerful, intuitive data software for research and teaching applications. Use with a variety of amplifiers, stimulators, triggers, transducers, gas analysis modules, and/or electrodes to acquire life science signals, including ECG, EEG, EOG, EMG, EGG, EDA, Respiration, Pulse, Temperature, Impedance Cardiography, Force, Accelerometry, Goniometry, Dynamometry, Gyro, and more. Combine data hardware for multi-subject or multi-parameter protocols.

Research hardware platforms are fully-integrated with AcqKnowledge® data acquisition software, which provides automated routines for data scoring, measurement, and reporting, and can support multiple hardware units. Teaching platforms include Biopac Student Lab software with media-rich tutorial style guide lessons for specified objectives, plus active learning options for student-designed experiments and advanced analysis.

Wired (tethered) data acquisition hardware platforms include the MP150 and MP36R Research Systems. The MP150 16-channel system with universal amplifier provides high resolution (16 bit), high-speed acquisition (400 kHz aggregate) with16 analog inputs and two analog outputs, digital I/O lines (to automatically control other TTL level equipment), and online calculation channels. The MP36R 4-channel research system with built-in amplifiers provides four analog inputs and one analog output, I/O port for digital devices, calculation channels, trigger port, headphone jack, and electrode impedance checker. The MP36R supports software-controlled amplifiers and calculation channels.

Wireless data hardware includes options for live or logged data:
BioNomadix wireless, wearable physiology monitoring devices noninvasively record high-quality, full-bandwidth data while comfortably allowing subjects to move freely in natural indoor environments. Digital transmission and transducers placed close to the signal source provide excellent signal quality. Record up to 16 channels of BioNomadix data with a BIOPAC MP150 System—the system also works with multiple MP150 systems or third-party data acquisition hardware via an isolated power supply module. 

Mobita® 32-channel wearable wireless systems are ideal for biopotential applications that demand subject mobility and data logging. The Mobita EEG System uses water electrodes—no skin prep or gels required. Record live data into AcqKnowledge or log to an internal storage card for later upload into AcqKnowledge; modes are easily switched to suit specific protocols.

B-Alert X10® Wireless Systems provide nine channels of high fidelity EEG plus ECG, and data software for cognitive state metrics software is available. The stand-alone system easily interfaces with MP150 Research System to synchronize with other physiological data.

BioHarness® with AcqKnowledge is a lightweight, non-restrictive data logger and telemetry system to monitor, record, and analyze a variety of physiological parameters, including ECG, respiration, posture, and acceleration.

Stellar® Small Animal Telemetry Licenses with AcqKnowledge control wireless data acquisition from Stellar Implantable Telemetry Systems. The easy-to-configure Animal Scheduler works for a subset or complete group of conscious, unrestrained small animals for long term recordings. Multiple display modes can be viewed simultaneously, and signal conditioning tools (e.g., filtering and artifact removal) can be applied.


These and other BIOPAC data hardware and software solutions are used in thousands of labs worldwide and cited in thousands of publications. Learn more about research systems and teaching systems.

Biomechanics Transducers | Data Acquisition

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Biomechanics data can include measures of force and motion of body position, posture, and joint movement over a wide range of static and dynamic conditions. Biomechanics measurements are meaningful for a wide variety of research applications, such as biomedical engineering, exercise physiology, sports training or rehab, and ergonomics (for characteristics of a specific work activity or environment). 

Biomechanics transducers include goniometers, torsiometers, and accelerometers. Transducers are unobtrusive and lightweight, and can be worn comfortably and undetected under clothing or attached to external equipment—leaving the subject to move freely in the normal environment.
Biomechanics transducers connect directly to the BIOPAC Acquisition Unit as part of an MP or BSL System. For a more complete physiological analysis, additional signals can be recorded (e.g., EMG, respiration, heart rate) and video data can be tightly-synchronized for a clear and detailed view of the biomechanics of a movement with the subject’s physiological data.



Goniometers incorporate gauge elements that measure bending strain along or around a particular axis and transform angular position into a proportional electrical signal. The gauge mechanism allows for accurate measurement of polycentric joints. As the joint moves through a determined angle, the relative linear distance between the two mounting positions will change. A telescopic endblock prevents the measuring element from becoming over-stretched or buckled as the limb moves. The bending strain is proportional to the sum total angular shift along the axis. Because the bending force is extremely small, the output signal is uniquely a proportional function of the angular shift.


Twin-axis goniometers measure rotation about two orthogonal planes simultaneously to record limb angular movement, such as adequate bending in the elbows or knees, unsafe rounding in the lower spine, wrist or ankle flexion/extension, abduction/adduction, radial/ulnar deviations, etc. Single-axis goniometers measure the angle in one plane only and are used to record digit joint movement of fingers, thumb or toes.
Torsiometers measure rotation about a single axis (e.g., forearm pronation/supination) to record angular twisting (as opposed to bending) of the torso, spine or neck.

Tri-Axial Accelerometers are high level output transducers that provide three outputs to measure acceleration along the X-, Y- and Z-axes simultaneously. To reliably record head tilt, place an accelerometer on the head. To measure accelerations when performing slow movements, such as walking and hand tremor, ±5 G accelerometers are optimal; ±50 G are more suitable for quick movements, such as swinging a tennis racket.
For applications where quick or rapid movements are involved, fit a “sock” bandage over the whole sensor and interconnect lead. For accurate results from long recordings, use double-sided adhesive between the endblocks and skin, and place single-sided adhesive tape over the top of the endblocks. No tape should come into contact with the spring. The connection lead should also be taped down near the sensor element.

Muscular Biofeedback | Surface EMG

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Biofeedback is a form of self-regulation in which an individual is provided information in the form of sensory feedback about a biological condition or function in order to gain control over that biological function. Biofeedback is often used as a therapeutic tool by which sports medicine/rehabilitation professionals, neurophysiologists, psychophysiologists, and therapists can use electrophysiological instrumentation to measure, process, and “feedback” the recorded information to the participating athlete or subject. The feedback is usually provided through auditory and/or visual means.



There are many types of biofeedback modalities available. One of the most popular and widely accepted modalities is surface EMG biofeedback. EMG (electromyography) bioinstrumentation measures muscle activity by recording electrochemical activity of a muscle occurring during depolarization and recruitment of a skeletal muscle motor unit. This modality is used for muscle reeducation and control when orthopedic injuries or surgeries have taken place, or when the peripheral nervous system has been impaired. It is also used to promote muscle relaxation to decrease muscle guarding, pain, stress, and anxiety.

A simple muscular biofeedback experiment design might use surface EMG electrodes placed over the Vastus Medialis and Vastus Lateralis muscles. Surface EMG electrodes should be placed vertically (parallel to the muscle fibers), over the muscle belly, or largest part of the muscle, and a ground electrode should also be used. Surface EMG should be recorded in several trials, including a Baseline without biofeedback (where the participant is asked to maximally relax, e.g., not contract), Maximal Contraction without Biofeedback, and a variety of Maximal Contraction with Biofeedback, such as visual stimulus or auditory stimulus. After recording, compare the surface EMG recordings and use peak-peak and mean measurements to determine if any significant change was detected between any of the variables.

Biofeedback is considered advantageous, as it provides participants a chance to use their visual and auditory senses to become more aware of how they are performing during therapy or training, attempt to improve upon it, and immediately see the improvement as it is occurring. Because participants can immediately note improvements, they are “rewarded.” This reward will hopefully lead to larger improvements and accomplishments.


The Body Electric | Surface EMG

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Electricity is part of everything the body does.
Electricity is always flowing in the body; it flows from negatively charged parts of the body to positively charged parts. As this electricity flows, surface EMG (sEMG) electrodes can detect and monitor the electrical activity.
Surface EMG electrodes noninvasively record the electrical activity of skeletal muscles. The unit of measure for the electrical activity is the volt, which is named after Count Alessandro Volta (who also invented the battery). The detection, amplification, and recording of changes in skin voltage produced by underlying skeletal muscle contraction is called electromyography; the recording thus obtained is called an electromyogram (EMG).

Skeletal muscles are stimulated to contract by somatic motor nerves that carry signals in the form of nerve impulses from the brain or spinal cord to the skeletal muscles. Although a single motor neuron can innervate several muscle fibers, each muscle fiber is innervated by only one motor neuron. The combination of a single motor neuron and all of the muscle fibers it controls is called a motor unit. When a somatic motor neuron is activated, all of the muscle fibers it innervates respond to the neuron’s impulses by generating their own electrical signals that lead to contraction of the activated muscle fibers.
Integrated EMG “averages out” noise spikes in the raw EMG data to provide a more accurate indication of the EMG output level
Muscle activation, strength, fatigue, or twitch can be monitored with surface EMG electrodes from a variety of body locations to study Gait, Range of Motion, Isometric and Isotonic Contraction, Ergonomics, startle response, etc. sEMG data can be combined with other data to display muscle response simultaneously with other physiological events.


Wireless Physiology | Data Acquisition

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Wireless Phisology

Research and education in the life sciences often benefits from the use of monitoring devices in which the subject being tested can move freely. BIOPAC now offers a multiple parameter ambulatory monitoring system—the BioNomadix series of wireless physiological monitoring devices.

BioNomadix are high-quality, wireless monitoring devices that appeal to users who value the level of accuracy that comes with wired systems, but are searching for a data acquisition solution that enables the researcher to collect data from a subject conducting procedures that require ample space and frequent motion.


The BioNomadix series not only enables researchers to record high-quality data in situations where a wired device would be limiting, it also brings comfort and freedom to the subject. With activities such as exercising and other high-movement tasks, the lack of wires allows the subject to conduct real-life motions without obstruction or discomfort.

The devices consist of a subject-worn transmitter and a receiver module. Transmitters easily attach to any location and are used with additional leads or transducers—short leads allow placement close to the signal source to ensure excellent data quality. A custom, stretch mesh shirt allows multiple devices to be worn comfortably by the subject at one time.

BioNomadix dual-channel devices can collect data from an array of physiological signals and signal combinations including:

ECG             Dynamometry                                Impedance Cardiography (NICO)
EEG             Respiration                                    Electrodermal Activity
EOG             Pulse                                            Accelerometry
EMG            Temperature                                  Gyroscope
EGG             Dual Strike (Heel/Toe)                    Goniometry/Torsiometry

Each device is configured for the specific physiological signal type to help ensure high-quality data at full bandwidth.

BioNomadix wireless data sets are the latest addition to data acquisition and analysis systems from BIOAPC that are used in thousand of labs worldwide and cited in thousands of peer-reviewed publications.


If you are looking for a physiological monitoring device that allows movement, comfort and variability while still maintaining the quality, integrity and excellence of wired devices, BIOPAC’s BioNomadix series is key to your research.

MP150 Data Acquisition Software

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AcqKnowledge is the next generation in data acquisition and analysis.

With BIOPAC Systems’ MP System and AcqKnowledge acquisition software, research is more efficient than ever. Record, organize, manage and analyze data easily with AcqKnowledge’s intuitive interface and updated features.

The MP150 Data Acquisition System includes:
  •  Ethernet-ready data acquisition and analysis
  • Ability to record multiple channels with differing samples rates
  • Function to record at speeds of up to 400 kHz (aggregate)


AcqKnowledge provides numerous video tutorials which allow you to spend less time learning the software and more time recording and analyzing data. Additionally, the system can be placed in your local area network (LAN), and you can use any PC in the LAN to record from any MP150 system in the network.

AcqKnowledge Benefits and Features

BIOPAC MP150 Systems utilize AcqKnowledge software. Some of the major benefits of AcqKnowledge acquisition software include:

  • Improved lab efficiency
  • Enhanced security and data integrity
  • Configurable user interface
  • Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) template options

    New for AcqKnowledge Version 4.3

    The latest version of AcqKnowledge includes several exciting updates which have made the software even more easy to use than before.

    Focus Areas – This feature simplifies and standardizes data analysis by allowing you to analyze data in selected regions, as well as use it with the most automated analysis routines and the Find Cycle Detector. When you set up focus areas, you can individually label them and search for cycles on these specific regions. The focus areas can then be downloaded into separate spreadsheets. For example, when conducting automated blood pressure analysis, you can download the search baseline, test phase and recovery period focus areas separately.

    Channel Specific Grid Functionality – When using grids within a data file, the grids can be enabled or disabled for different graphs. For instance, if you need a different grid for ECG and Alpha EEG waveform on the same graph, you can adjust and customize each grid. This new tool also allows you to save graph templates and presets for future use.

    Linked Acquisitions – Linked Acquisitions allows you to record from multiple MP150s, MP36Rs, B-Alert Headsets and BioHarness. You can choose from multiple synchronization methods and specify whether or not to create a merged data file at the end of recording. The merged data file then will contain all of your channels of data from each recording, with independent data files for each device.

    Locate Animal ECG Complex Boundaries – This new system locates and marks animal ECG complex boundaries, and functions the same way as the Locate Human ECG Complex Boundaries. However, this feature is optimized for the faster heart rates of small animals. To use the Locate Animal ECG Complex Boundaries, simply enter in the average heart rate for the file, run the routine locater and mark the ECG complex boundaries.

    New Preset Options – Presets help save time on recording and analysis. Rate, expression and box configuration presets are available for both calculation channel set-up and offline analysis. When using this feature, you simply specify the number of horizontal and vertical measurement boxes desired, and then save as a preset for future use.

    New User Interface Features – Version 4.3 includes many new user interface features, including tabbed window display (multiple tabs containing different tab files), textual value toolbar, selection palette enhancements, linked selections, autoscale single waveform, configure number of horizontal measurements, remove annotations from a single channel and journal docking location preference.

    Pressure-Volume Loop Analysis – Baseline analysis is useful for looking at immediate drug delivery effects and when positioning a catheter. The pressure-volume loop analysis feature includes a preconfigured QuickStart template which helps you start recording quickly, and enables you to analyze pressure-volume loops data from anesthetized animals. This tool lets you easily pause recordings and run a quick baseline analysis during use, and features an intuitive loop graph display with a built-in text table.

    Learn More About MP150 Data Acquisition Software

    If you are interested in learning more about how the MP System and AcqKnowledge acquisition software can help you work faster and smarter, please contact BIOPAC Systems.


    BIOPAC is dedicated to developing innovative, high quality and competitively priced life sciences educational and research hardware and software designed to meet customers’ needs.

    Heart Rate Variability

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    What is Heart Rate Variability?
    Heart rate variability studies examine alterations in the interval between heart beats. Several physiological variables can affect the normal rhythm of the heart and the interaction between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.
    Heart rate fluctuates based on a variety of conditions and can indicate the presence of disease or forewarn impending cardiac diseases. These indicators may always be present but sometimes may only occur occasionally at specific times throughout the day. Heart rate is monitored to assess the health of a subject or the significance of heart abnormalities. Data acquisition of this caliber can have profound advancements in the way heart conditions are understood and treatments are developed.
    Monitoring heart rate variability may be time consuming and difficult without the right tools in place. 
    How heart rate variability works
    The base of your heart rate is located in the sinoatrial (SA) node of the heart. In this node, cells continuously generate an electrical impulse which is spread through the entire heart muscle, causing a contraction. The number of electrical impulses generated per minute is equivalent to the heart beats per minute.
    The autonomic nervous system largely controls the heart rate and rhythm of the heart, and is broken down into two separate areas: the parasympathetic nervous system and the sympathetic nervous system.
    The parasympathetic nervous system affects the heart rate through the release of acetylcholine by the vagus nerve. This can impede activation of SA node activity and may also decrease HRV.
    The sympathetic nervous system impacts the heart rate through a release of epinephrine and norepinephrine. This usually increases activity of the SA node and may increase HRV.

    How BIOPAC fits in
    When performing heart rate variability analysis, the importance of recording proper data can not be overstated.
    "Results reveal that even a single heart period artifact, occurring within a 2-min recording epoch, can lead to errors of estimate heart period variability that are considerably larger than typical effect sizes in psychophysiological studies."
    —Berntson & Stowell, 1998

    AcqKnowledge Electrocardiogram(ECG) Routines

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    What is an ECG?
    An ECG - or electrocardiogram – is a common test used to gauge heart health. It monitors the electrical activity of the heart, which can indicate problems related to heart rate and valve health. Other reasons an ECG may be performed are to:
    • Check how the heart responds to exercise (as with a classic treadmill test)
    • See if the walls of the heart chambers are hypertrophied
    • Discover the cause of specific symptoms of heart disease
    • An ECG calculates a wide range of valuable data valuable including:
    • Heart Rate
    • Heart Rhythm
    • Evidence of previous heart attacks
    • Possibility of coronary artery disease
    • Signs of decreased oxygen to the heart


    The main types of ECG are:
    Cardiac stress test - this one is recorded while the subject is active, usually walking on a treadmill or riding on an exercise bike. The typical time for this test is 15-30 minutes.
    Ambulatory - This ECG test is done using a transportable recording device, often called a data logger, that is worn for 24 hours or more, with the subject free to move around in a normal fashion. This type of test is typically used to study infrequent symptoms that might not show up in a resting ECG test. The subject is usually asked to keep track of his/her own symptoms in a journal of some kind, keeping track of the time of each symptom to be later compared to the results of the ECG test.
    Resting - This is the most common ECG test and is taken while the subject is lying down for usually 5-10 minutes. Subjects are instructed to keep as still as possible to avoid other muscle activity interfering with the activity of the heart.
    Some possible limitations of an ECG test include:
    Some irregularity surfacing through the test are false positives, often times not having any medical importance after further assessment is done.
    The test can also show up negative for subjects with some form of heart disease including diagnosed coronary artery disease.

    BIOPAC's ECG data acquisition software
    AcqKnowledge includes the following automated ECG routines, as well as numerous other automated analysis routines and transformation tools:
    Detect and Classify Heartbeats

    Locate Human ECG Complex Boundaries

     Heart Rate Variability


      Personalize your package with specialized amplifiers, leads, electrodes, and/or transducers. Have the ability to record the max of 16 channels of high-fidelity ECG and additional physiological data either wirelessly with BioNomadix or via standard wired amplifiers.
      Contact BIOPAC today for more information.

      Physiological Amplifier Options in Research

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      When choosing which physiological amplifier to use in your research, the most important assets typically are accuracy, ease of use and time efficiency.

      BIOPAC’s biopotential amplifiers are not only user friendly and intuitive, but they can also easily be integrated with automatic data acquisition software. When you use AcqKnowledge software with a biopotential amplifier, you can automatically score data and extract measurements on a cycle-by-cycle basis.

      With over 15,000 amplifiers sold for research, BIOPAC is quickly becoming one of the most popular choices for universities.

      How Biopotential Amplifiers Work

      With a wide selection of physiological amplifiers to choose from, creating a system that suits your application requirements is easier than ever.

      The amplifiers are easy to snap together and pull apart for any needed substitutions. BIOPAC’s amplifiers also utilize advanced technology that allows you to use the amplifiers as stand-alone devices with the IPS100C isolated power supply mode.

      To use the biopotential amplifiers, simply connect to unshielded or shielded electrode leads which are terminating with Safelead/Touchproof (1.5 mm) sockets. To increase performance, you can use two shielded electrode leads and one unshielded electrode lead per amplifier.

      For added convenience and ease of use, BIOPAC also provides detailed video tutorials for each of its biopotential amplifiers.

      Physiological Amplifier Types

      BIOPAC offers a wide array of biopotential amplifiers including:

      ECG Electrocardiogram Amplifier – This amplifier records heart generated electrical activity, and can be used to effectively record ECG in humans, animals and isolated organ preparations. When used with the AcqKnowledge data acquisition software, the ECG amplifier will record data and pull out measurements of interest on a cycle-by-cycle basis.

      EEG Electroencephalogram Amplifier – The EEG amplifier shows bioelectric potentials related to neuronal activity of the brain, which is often used in recording unipolar or bipolar EEG measurements. You can use the Alpha detection mode to create a smoothed wave with a peak that indicates maximal alpha activity. Use this amplifier with AcqKnowledge software to automatically filter raw EEG signals and instantly create a full data analysis.

      EGG Electrogastrogram Amplifier – The EGG amplifier amplifies the electric signal which results from activity in the stomach and intestinal smooth muscle. Use the EGG amplifier in conjunction with AcqKnowledge software to automate the EGG gastric wave analysis routine and provide both single and multi-channel recordings.

      EMG Electromyogram Amplifier – Record general and skeletal muscle electrical activity with the EMG amplifier. The fast response amplifier can monitor a single-fiber EMG, motor unit and peripheral nerve action potentials. Much like the other biopotential amplifiers, the EMG amplifier is easily integrated with AcqKnowledge software for performing real-time EMG recording and analysis.

      EOG Electrooculogram Amplifier – The EOG amplifier monitors the DC potential on the skin surrounding the eyes, recording the degree of eye movement in any direction. As it amplifies corneal-retinal potential, the amplifier works with data acquisition software to automatically measure and graph eye movement.

      ERS Evoked Response Amplifier – The evoked response amplifier works by amplifying a small response to a certain stimulus. Because it emits extremely low noise, the amplifier is easily used in applications like auditory brainstem response, startle response, somatosensory evoked response and nerve conduction velocity recording. When used with the AcqKnowledge software, the ERS amplifier automatically generates accurate data recording and analysis.

      Learn More About Biopotential Amplifiers

      If you are interested in learning more about how BIOPAC’s state-of-the-art amplifiers can ease your application process and help you instantly create detailed analytic reports of your data, please contact BIOPAC Systems, Inc. You can also learn about BIOPAC’s extensive collection of transducer amplifiers on the BIOPAC website.
      BIOPAC is dedicated to developing innovative, high quality and competitively priced life sciences educational and research hardware and software designed to meet customers’ needs.

      Data Acquisition Software | Accelerometers

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      What Are Accelerometers?

      Accelerometers are widely used for measuring vibration in rotating machinery, moving vehicles, aircraft, in structures.  In this case, they are used for measuring small muscle vibrations in the body. 

      New types of accelerometers and integrated sensor systems are now replacing more traditional vibration sensors for a number of reasons such as lower cost, better performance, rugged design, and smaller size. The new devices offer increased sensitivity, a wider range of operating frequencies, and much wider range of application in industry.

      How do Accelerometers work?

      BIOPAC Accelerometer 50 G -TSD109F
      Accelerometers work in many different ways. Some accelerometers use the piezoelectric effect - containing microscopic crystal structures that get stressed by accelerative forces, causing a voltage to be generated. Another is by sensing changes in capacitance. If you have two microstructures next to each other, they have a certain capacitance between them. If an accelerative force moves one of the structures, the capacitance will change. Add circuitry to convert from capacitance to voltage, and you get an accelerometer. There are many other methods, including use of the piezo-resistive effect and light.

      What should I consider when choosing the right accelerometer:

      -Reproducibility of results
      You don't just want great results, you want results that are as accurate and reproducible as possible. 

      -Sensitivity - Generally speaking, the more sensitivity the better. This means that for a given change in acceleration, there will be a larger change in signal. Since larger signal changes are easier to measure, you will get more accurate readings.

      BIOPAC's TSD250

      The TSD250 is a sensitive accelerometer for use with BIOPAC Vibromyography Systems that use advanced signal analysis algorithms to monitor muscle vibration.

      Accelerometers are secured over the muscle belly and record the small vibrations that occur when the muscle is activated. The technique allows researchers to study muscle performance and strength balance.

      VMG provides extremely reproducible results. The single sensor solution and the lack of skin preparation improve the reliability and reproducibility of muscle effort recordings between muscles and across subjects.

      Learn More About TSD250 Data Acquisition Software

      If you are interested in learning more about gaining access to the best data acquisition software in the industry, please check out BIOPAC's Vibromyography Transducer TSD250.  (http://www.biopac.com/VMG-transducer)  

      BIOPAC is dedicated to developing innovative, high quality and competitively priced life sciences educational and research hardware and software designed to meet customers’ needs.

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