1. Diagnosis of disease states by recording the spontaneous electrical activity of tissues or organs or by the response to stimulation of electrically excitable tissue.
2. The recording and study of the electrical properties of skeletal muscles by means of surface or needle electrodes.

Useful in kinesiology and the study of neuromuscular function, extent of nerve lesion, and reflex response.

3. An electrodiagnostic test that assists in detecting and locating peripheral nerve injury or disease.

The study is usually done in conjunction with electromyography.