5 - Biofeedback

What is biofeedback?

• A decide that uses electromyography (EMG) to detect muscle contractions and their strength

• Techniques that produce info to the user about their own physiological or biomechanical processes via visual (lights) and sound cues (beeping) - EMG biofeedback

What is the purpose of biofeedback?

• Improve self awareness

• Gain control over a specific motion or muscle

What is EMG biofeedback?

• Specific type of biofeedback used in PT

• Measures electrical activity occurring in muscle tissue

• Electrodes places on the skin to detect intrinsic electrical activity

• Electrical activity of muscles is converted to sound, visual, or tactile signals via the machine

How is EMG biofeedback used for neuromuscular facilitation (up training)?

• Used after surgeries to resolve motor function impairment due to swelling and pain (atherogenic muscle inhibition)

• Attentional strategies:

  • enhances muscle contraction and timing or inc muscle unit recruitment

  • Inc excitability of the motor cortex

How is EMG biofeedback used for neuromuscular inhibition (down training)?

• Signals the user to dec motor input to a muscle - teaches how to relax

• Inc afferent inhibition of unecessary efferent signals (reduced excitability of the motor cortex)

How is EMG biofeedback used to promote neuromuscular coordination?

Improves the timing and recruitment of muscle activity to improve functional activities (gait and higher level activities)

What are some indications for EMG biofeedback?

 Hemiplegia

 Quadriceps Strengthening

 Headache

 Pelvic Floor Disorders

 Chronic Pain Conditions

 Temporomandibular Disorders

What are the contraindications for biofeedback?

 Acute inflammatory conditions

 Pregnancy (intravaginal)

 Bladder or vaginal infection (intravaginal)

 Allergy to the electrode causing a skin rash

 Impaired mentation (precaution)

What are the potential adverse effects of biofeedback?

 Cardiac complications due to muscle contraction or activity

• Ex: dyspnea, fatigue, angina

 Increased pain

 Delayed onset muscle soreness