EMG FEEDBACK THERAPY - REVIEW OF TREATMENT OF 114 PATIENTS

  • 1 January 1976
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 57  (2) , 55-61
Abstract
Advances in the understanding of the relationship of proprioceptive (kinesthetic) feedback to motor physiology prompted the study of therapeutic effects of audiovisual displays of electromyographic (EMG) activity. Patients with various manifestations of disturbed neuromotor control were studied prospectively for 3 yr. This group included 114 patients with hemiparesis, torticollis, dystonia and spinal cord or peripheral nerve injury. Initially, all but one of these patients had some residual volitional motor activity, which was insufficient for adequate function, and all patients had conventional therapy with little or no functional recovery. Prior to EMG feedback therapy, the duration of illness was from 3 mo-35 yr. The shaping of a patient''s motor responses usually occurred gradually, often over 8-12 wk period. This modification was accomplished by feeding processed audiovisual signals back to the patient. These signals were proportional to the degree of activity of the muscles responsible for the defective function. The concept of microvolt-second, as a unit of muscle activity, introduced and defined. Patterned movements which were previously defective, were observed to improve varying degrees. Following the initial course of treatment, reinforcement was required by some patients. The mechanisms of improvement after EMG feedback therapy are not well understood; some hypotheses are presented. EMG feedback therapy may induce significant functional recovery in patients with disturbed neuromotor control.

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