Abstract: Underwater exercise and hydrotherapy have rapidly developed in recent years. As an noninvasive and convenient tool, surface electromyography (sEMG) has been applied in underwater research. In favour of experiment procedure, underwater sEMG needs localized waterproof seal or whole-body waterproof suit, and are mainly detected by telemetry system. The muscle activity pattern of underwater exercise is different from on land exercise, the sMEG amplitude is correlated with motion velocity. Compound underwater motion analysis includes sEMG, video and foot pressure will be more effective assessment tool for underwater exercise and hydrotherapy research.

Key words: surface electromyography, underwater exercise, hydrotherapy, review