Standardizing Periocular Surface Electromyography: A Scoping Review of Methods and Emerging Applications

TL;DR

This paper reviews methods for measuring muscle activity around the eyes and proposes a framework to standardize these techniques for better research and clinical use.

Contribution

The paper provides the first comprehensive synthesis of periocular sEMG methodologies and proposes a conceptual framework and minimum reporting set for standardization.

Findings

Sixteen studies were identified, revealing significant variability in electrode placement, signal acquisition, and processing.

Three key methodological domains were identified: instrumentation, analytical approaches, and clinical applications.

A conceptual framework and minimum reporting set were proposed to improve transparency and reproducibility.

Abstract

Background: Surface electromyography (sEMG) of periocular muscles is a non-invasive technique used to assess eyelid dynamics and facial neuromuscular function, with applications in ophthalmology, neurology, and rehabilitation. Despite its clinical and research potential, substantial methodological variability—particularly in electrode placement, acquisition parameters, and signal processing—has limited reproducibility and hindered broader clinical translation. A comprehensive synthesis of existing methodologies was therefore needed to support future standardization. Objectives: The review aimed to systematically map current periocular sEMG methodologies, identify sources of methodological heterogeneity, organize findings into structured methodological domains, and develop a conceptual framework along with a minimum reporting set to promote transparency, reproducibility, and comparability across studies. Eligibility Criteria: Studies were eligible if they investigated surface electromyography of periocular muscles and reported methodological details related to electrode placement, signal acquisition, processing, or analysis. Randomized controlled trials, observational studies, and pilot investigations were included. No restrictions were placed on publication year. Sources of Evidence: Comprehensive searches were conducted in PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science from database inception through November 2025. Grey literature sources were also examined to enhance coverage and reduce publication bias. Charting Methods: Two reviewers independently screened records and extracted data. Extracted information was organized into predefined methodological domains. A thematic synthesis approach was used to identify recurring methodological patterns, and findings were integrated into a structured conceptual framework. Results: Sixteen studies published between 2002 and 2025 met the inclusion criteria, encompassing randomized trials, observational studies, and pilot investigations. Considerable heterogeneity was identified across studies in electrode characteristics, placement strategies, reference configurations, sampling frequencies, and normalization procedures. Three recurring methodological domains emerged: instrumentation and acquisition, analytical and normalization approaches, and clinical or experimental applications. Based on these domains, the authors developed a conceptual methodological framework and proposed a minimum reporting set intended to improve methodologyical transparency and support reproducibility and multicenter comparability. Conclusions: Periocular sEMG represents a promising yet methodologically fragmented field. This scoping review provides the first comprehensive synthesis of periocular sEMG practices and establishes an evidence-based platform for standardized acquisition, processing, and reporting. Adoption of the proposed framework may strengthen reproducibility, facilitate multicenter collaboration, and accelerate integration into clinical and research settings.

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