Electromechanical Delay

Electromechanical delay (EMD) is the time interval between electrical muscle activation (detected via electromyography) and the first detectable mechanical force output. Introduced by Cavanagh and Komi (1979), EMD reflects the physiological lag inherent in converting neural input into mechanical work. This delay arises from several sources: time for the action potential to propagate, time for calcium release, time for cross-bridge cycling to begin, and elastic recoil of muscle-tendon structures. EMD is typically 30-100 milliseconds in skeletal muscle and varies with muscle group, contraction type, and training status. Understanding EMD is important for explaining performance in rapid movements and for assessing neuromuscular function.