earticle

영어

Backgroud: Electromyography (EMG) is widely used to assess muscle activity and neuromuscular function in rehabilitation and sports science. With the increasing emphasis on digital healthcare, analyzing national R&D trends provides insight into the future potential of EMG, particularly in sports rehabilitation and physical therapy. Methods: This study analyzed EMG-related government-funded R&D projects conducted in Korea from 2020 to 2024. The analysis included project title, summary, program name, funding ministry, duration, government investment, implementing institution, and region. In addition, keyword analysis was conducted based on project titles to identify trends in core technologies, objectives, and application areas. To systematically analyze EMG application trends, a category classification process was conducted based on project objectives, technical keywords, and application areas, refined through expert consultation and project report review. Results: An initial database search identified 2,095 projects, from which 271 were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Keyword analysis showed that EMG-related R&D projects mainly focused on rehabilitation, exercise, robotic control, and wearable systems, with increasing trends in smart and personalized technologies. Based on the categorization framework established in this study, 15 project types were identified, with the most common being “Bio-signal sensing and processing technology” (37 projects), followed by “Rehabilitation intervention” and “Brain-computer interface” (28 each), and “Muscle function analysis” (27) and “Neuro-rehabilitation robotics” (25). Conclusion: This study demonstrates that EMG technology is evolving beyond signal measurement into smart systems for personalized intervention, precise assessment, and functional recovery. The findings may serve as a foundation for future research planning and technology development strategies in sports rehabilitation and physical therapy.