Biofeedback (week 6)

Biofeedback

Techniques that provide information to the user about their own physiological or biomechanical processes

Purposes:

• Improve self-awareness

• Gain control of a specific motion or muscle

A device that uses Electromyography (EMG) to detect when muscles contractions occur and the strength of the contraction. The patient receives cues from the device visually and through sound (beeping).

Biofeedback in  physical Therapy

In physical therapy, we use EMG biofeedback (a type of transformed biofeedback)

• Electromyography (EMG) refers to the measurement of electrical activity occurring in muscle tissue

• EMG electrodes that are placed on the skin detect the intrinsic electrical activity of the underlying muscles

• The electrical activity is converted into an auditory, visual or tactile signal

Physiological effects of EMG Biofeedback

Neuromuscular Facilitation (Up Training)

Neuromuscular Inhibition (Down Training)

Neuromuscular Coordination

Indications

Hemiplegia

Quadriceps Strengthening

Headache

Pelvic Floor Disorders

Chronic Pain Conditions

Temporomandibular Disorders

Contraindications/ Precautions

Acute inflammatory conditions

Pregnancy (intravaginal)

Bladder or vaginal infection (intravaginal)

Additional considerations:

• Be cautious when using on patients who have an allergy to the electrode. Biofeedback may need to be discontinued if reaction is more than minor skin irritation.

• Patients with impaired mentation are unlikely to be appropriate candidates as the patient may not be able to follow directions.

Adverse Effects

Cardiac complications due to muscle contraction or activity

• Ex: dyspnea, fatigue, angina

Increased pain

Delayed onset muscle soreness