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CTE Healthcare Escape Room Activity (continued)
Station 4: Reflex Relay
Students review four EMG signal graphs from muscle movements. They must identify
which one shows an involuntary reflex. Each graph includes an alphanumeric code;
the correct graph reveals the code to proceed.
Station 4: "Reflex Relay"
Tools Used:
• Backyard Brains Human SpikerBox (optional—not required for this version)
• Printed or digital EMG signal graphs from 4 different muscle responses
• Each graph includes an alphanumeric code
Learning Focus:
• Distinguishing voluntary vs. involuntary reflexes using electrical signal data
• Understanding what EMG (electromyography) looks like for different muscle activities
• Applying neurophysiological reasoning to solve a puzzle
Scenario:
"Mixed Signals in the Motor Cortex!"
• Your team has received EMG readouts from four different patients, each recorded during a muscle movement.
• Only one of these movements was an involuntary reflex, such as a knee-jerk response.
• Identify the correct EMG trace that shows the involuntary reflex and use the code printed on it to unlock the next station in
your mission.
Materials Needed:
• Four printed or digital EMG signal graphs, each with:
– A short title/label (e.g., "Graph A")
– A description of the movement (e.g., "biceps curl," "tap")
– An alphanumeric code printed below each graph (e.g., A3F9)
• Answer sheet or form for students to submit the correct code
Student Instructions:
1. Review the four EMG signal graphs provided. Each one shows a different type of muscle response.
2. Work with your team to analyze the timing, duration, and shape of the electrical signals.
3. Identify the graph that shows an involuntary reflex—a fast, automatic muscle response triggered by a stimulus.
4. Record the alphanumeric code printed on the correct graph.
5. Submit that code to move on to the next station.
How the Puzzle Works:
• Each EMG graph shows different characteristics:
– Voluntary movement: Gradual onset, longer duration, sustained signal
– Involuntary reflex: Quick spike, very short delay between stimulus and response, brief duration
– Muscle fatigue: High-frequency bursts tapering over time
– Tremor or noise artifact: Irregular, inconsistent pattern
• Only one graph clearly shows the reflex arc pattern, e.g., a sharp spike ~20–30 ms
after stimulus with no ramp-up.
