EMG-Biofeedback Therapy in Knee Rehabilitation: A Review

Biofeedback (BFB) is a process where an individual's physiological responses are identified, measured and then provide feedback in the form of visual, auditory or tactile in the real time. If the individual's physiological responses are not normal, in order to regulate or correct them, feedback is provided via various cues mentioned above. As the magnitude of the abnormality or the correction can be instantly generated, this is identified as a relatively effective treatment method than the other conventional procedures used. Electro myo-graphic biofeedback (EMGBFB) is a method which provides feedback regarding the electrical activity of the muscles and thereby assisting the individual to increase or decrease the tension developed in the muscle. Since this procedure is not associated with any of the adverse effects, it is being used for a longer period in the rehabilitation set up. Various conditions have been treated with the use of biofeedback devices. Of them, the effectiveness of EMGBFB has been assessed mostly in knee conditions in the orthopedic and sports medicine. The effectiveness of this procedure is evaluated with the use of various measures such as pain scales, goniometric measurements, isokinetic dynamometric measurements etc. in literature. Therefore the significance of the addition of this method in the traditional treatment protocols has been emphasized. The aim of this study is to review the efficacy of the EMGBFB interventions in various knee conditions, in the rehabilitation setting