• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.17-26
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• 2015

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of visual electromyography (EMG) biofeedback on the EMG activity of the lower trapezius (LT), serratus anterior (SA), and upper trapezius (UT) muscles, the LT/UT and SA/UT EMG activity ratios, and the scapular upward rotation angle during scapular posterior tilting exercise (SPTE). Twenty-four subjects with round-shoulder posture participated in this study. The EMG activities of the LT, SA, and UT were collected during SPTE both without and with visual EMG biofeedback. The scapular upward rotation angle was measured at the baseline, after SPTE without visual EMG biofeedback, and after SPTE with visual EMG biofeedback. The LT, SA, and UT EMG activities, and the LT/UT and SA/UT EMG activity ratios were analyzed by paired t-test. The scapular upward rotation angle was statistically analyzed using one-way repeated analysis of variance. If a significant difference was found, a Bonferroni correction was performed (p=.05/3=.017). The EMG activities of LT and SA significantly increased, and the EMG activity of UT significantly decreased during SPTE with visual EMG biofeedback compared to SPTE without visual EMG biofeedback (p<.05). In addition, the LT/UT and SA/UT EMG activity ratios significantly increased during SPTE with visual EMG biofeedback compared to SPTE without visual EMG biofeedback (p<.05). Significant increases were found in the scapular upward rotation angle after SPTE without and with visual EMG biofeedback compared to baseline (p<.017), and no significant differences were observed in the scapular upward rotation angle between SPTE without and with visual EMG biofeedback. In conclusion, SPTE using visual EMG biofeedback may be an effective method for increasing LT and SA activities while reducing UT activity.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.195-213
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• 1990

The purpose of this study is to assess if EMG biofeedback training with progressive muscle relaxation training is effective in reducing the EMG level in patients with tension headaches. This study which lasted from 23 October to 30 December 1989, was conducted on 10 females who were diagnosed as patients with tension headaches and selected from among volunteers at C. University in Seoul. The process of the study was as follows : First, before the treatment the baseline was measured for two weeks and the level of EMG was measured five times in five minutes. And then EMG biofeedback training was used to six weeks, 12 sessions in at and progressive muscle relaxation was done at home by audio tape over eight weeks. Each session was composed of a 5-minute baseline, two 5-minute EMG biofeedback training periods and a 5-minute self-control stage. Each stage was followed by a five minute rest period. So each session took a total of 40 minutes. The EMG level was measured by EMG biofeedback (Autogenic-Cyborg : M 130 EMG module). The results were as follows : 1. The average age of the subjects was 44.1 years and the average history of headache was 10.6 years(range 6 months-20 yens). 2. The level of EMG was lowest between the third and the fourth week of the training except in Cases I and IV. 3. The patients began to show a nonconciliatory attitude at the first session of the fifth week of the training.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.25 no.6
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• pp.411-416
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• 2013

Purpose: The purpose of the present study was to determine the effects of activation of gluteus maximus (Gmax) and abdominal muscle using EMG biofeedback on lumbosacral and tibiocalcaneal angles in standing position. Methods: Fourteen healthy subjects with normal feet participated in the present study. Electromyographic (EMG) biofeedback using visual cue was used to activate the external oblique (EO) and Gmax. The lumbosacral and tibiocalcalcaneal angles were measured by electronic goniometers. All the subjects were instructed to activate the Gmax and EO monitoring increasing amounts of the muscle activities in each muscle. The lumbosacral and tibiocalcaneal angles were collected in three trials during resting and activation of each muscle using EMG biofeedback in standing position. The mean value of three trials was used in the data analysis. A paired-t test was used to compare the lumbosacral and tibiocalcaneal angles between resting and activation of the Gmax and EO using EMG biofeedback. Results: The lumbosacral and tibiocalcaneal angles were significantly less in the resting compared to activation using EMG biofeedback (p<0.05). Conclusion: The activaition of Gmax and abdominal muscles using EMG biofeedback play role to control the pronation of subtalar joint during the weight-bearing.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.9 no.3
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• pp.101-111
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• 2002

The purpose of this study was to determine EMG biofeedback training effect on the muscle activities in 3 unilateral facial palsy patients along with multiple baseline design across subjects. The auditory feedback about facial muscles (orbicularis oris, orbicularis oculi, frontalis) was provided with each patient during facial exercise training. Electromyographic (EMG) activity during maximal voluntary contraction and maximal compound muscle action potential (CMAP) amplitude elected by supramaximal electrical stimulation on facial nerve of facial muscles were measured pre- and post- EMG biofeedback training to evaluate motor learning. EMG activity during maximal voluntary contraction was increased after EMG biofeedback training and CMAP amplitude elected by supramaximal electrical stimulation was not changed in all subjects. The results indicate that EMG biofeedback training is useful method to improve motor learning of facial excercise training in unilateral facial palsy patients.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.89-98
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• 2021

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of electromyography (EMG)-biofeedback based closed kinetic chain exercise (CKCE) on quadriceps muscle activity and dynamic balance ability in patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). Methods: Thirty subjects with PFPS were included and they were divided into EMG-biofeedback using CKCE (Group I) and squat exercise using CKCE (Group II), each group consisted of 15 patients. Group I and Group II was performed by the patients for three times a week, for six weeks. sEMG was used to measure quadriceps muscle activity and star excursion balance test (SEBT) was used to measure dynamic balance ability. Results: According to the results of the comparisons between the groups, after intervention, quadriceps muscle activity and dynamic balance ability were significantly higher in Group I than in the Group II. Conclusion: Findings of this study suggest that EMG-biofeedback using CKCE that provides real-time biofeedback information on muscle contraction may have a beneficial effect on selective muscle strength of vastus medialis oblique muscle and dynamic balance ability in PFPS.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.65-70
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• 2016

Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the effects of electromyographic (EMG)-Biofeedback using closed kinetic chain exercise (EB-CKCE) on quadriceps angle (Q-angle) and quadriceps muscle activation and muscle activation ratio in subjects with patellofemoral pain syndrome and to provide fundamental information on rehabilitation exercise in patellofemoral pain syndrome. Methods: Thirty participants who met the criteria were included. The subjects were randomly divided into three groups: control group (Group I, n=10), semi-squat exercise group (Group II, n=10), and EMG-Biofeedback using closed kinetic chain exercise group (Group III, n=10). Intervention was provided to each group for eight weeks (three times per week; 30 minutes per day). Subjects were measured on Q-angle and quadriceps muscle activation. Results: Significant difference in Q-angle and quadriceps muscle activation was observed in groups II and III compared with control group I (p<0.01). Results of post-hoc analysis showed a significant difference in Q-angle and quadriceps muscle activation in on group III compared with groups I and II. Conclusion: Findings of this study suggest that closed kinetic chain exercise using EMG-Biofeedback that provides real-time biofeedback information on muscle contraction may have a beneficial effect on improvement of Q-angle and quadriceps muscle activation in patellofemoral pain syndrome.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.35-43
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• 2008

Purpose: We investigated the effect of isometric resistance exercise on the vastus medialis oblique muscle with inelastic tape and EMG biofeedback training applied to the patello-femoral joints of patients with patella malalignment. Methods: The 39 elderly subjects that had patella malalignment but no neuromuscular disorders were divided into a control group, taping group, and EMG biofeedback training group. Evaluations of function improvement performed before and after the treatment, as well as 4 weeks after treatment. Results: Change in pain in the knee joint were significantly different among groups (p<0.05). Maximum voluntary isometric contractility in the quadriceps muscle was significantly in the EMG biofeedback group (p<0.001). The WOMAC (Western Ontairo & McMaster Questionnaire) index showed a significant change (p<0.05) in pain, function, and total score. Taping and EMG biofeedback training showed a lasting effect until measurement 4 weeks after treatment. SF-36 (Medical outcome short form-36), which assesses the quality of life, did not significantly change. Conclusion: In osteoarthritis patients with a loss of patello-femoral joint function, isometric resistance exercise of the vastus medialis oblique muscle with taping seems effective.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.27 no.6
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• pp.386-391
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• 2015

Purpose: This study investigated whether the strength imbalance between two muscles can affect the score of EMG based biofeedback game, and whether the EMG based biofeedback game score can be used as predictable indicator of the degree of muscle balance alternating the conventional strength measuring equipment. Methods: 40 participated in this study. Biodex was used to measure the peak torque/weight in order to calculate the muscle strength balance index between plantar flexor and dorsiflexor of ankle joint. And muscle balance index (MBI) was calculated. The EMG biofeedback game scores of dorsiflexor and plantar flexor were acquired, so that the EMG electrodes were attached at tibialis anterior and gastrocnemius. The relationship between the game score and the muscle balance index were analyzed. Results: There was negative correlation between the muscle balance index between plantar flexor and dorsiflexor and the peak torque/weight of plantar flexor (r=-0.70). And there was negative correlation between the muscle balance index between plantar flexor and dorsiflexor and the game score of plantar flexor (r=-0.83). Conclusion: The EMG biofeedback game score had significant relationship with muscle imbalance at ankle joint, so it seems that the game score can be used for predicting the degree of muscle imbalance as a parameter.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.9-18
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• 2017

Background: Short foot exercise (SFex) is often prescribed and performed in the sport and rehabilitation fields to strengthen intrinsic foot muscles. However, SFex is difficult to perform because of lack of feedback methods. Objects: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of SFex with and without electromyography (EMG) biofeedback on the medial longitudinal arch (MLA) of healthy individuals who maintained a static standing position. Methods: All participants (14 males and 12 females) were randomly divided into two groups (biofeedback and non-biofeedback groups). The EMG activity of the abductor hallucis (AbdH) and tibialis anterior (TA) and the MLA angle on the dominant leg side were measured with the participant in the standing position in the pre- and post-intervention conditions. The intervention session consisted of 15 minutes of SFex with (biofeedback group) or without (non-biofeedback group) EMG biofeedback. The groups were compared using two-way repeated measures analysis of variance. Results: The post-intervention activities of the AbdH muscle (p<.05) and the AbdH/TA ratio (p<.05) were significantly greater in the biofeedback group than in the non-biofeedback group. The activity of the TA (p<.05) and the MLA angle (p<.05) in the biofeedback group were significantly lower in the post-intervention condition than in the pre-intervention condition. Conclusion: The present findings demonstrate that the combination of SFex and EMG biofeedback can effectively facilitate the muscle activity of the AbdH and strengthen the medial longitudinal arch.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.5 no.4
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• pp.605-613
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• 2010

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to investigate the VMO/VL ratio and onset timing using EMG biofeedback training over a 5-day period. Methods : Twenty-one healthy female college students with no known right knee musculoskeletal dysfunction were recruited this study. Muscle activity was measured by surface electromyography(Myosystem 1400A, Noraxon Inc., U.S.A). Statistical analysis was used two-way repeated ANOVA to know difference between the vastus lateralis and vastus medialis oblique onset timing differences, VMO/VL ratio. Results : Biofeedback training group significantly improved VMO/VL ratio and EMG activity of the vastus medialis oblique after intervention. Conclusion : These result indicate that biofeedback training on the vastus medialis oblique has effect on the VMO/VL ratio. EMG biofeedback can be recommended for the facilitation of VMO muscular recruitment.