Biofeedback Flashcards
What is biofeedback?
Referes to techniques that provide information to the user about their own physiological/biomechanical process as a means of improving self-awareness and control
What kind of modalities does not transfer energy to its target tissue?
Biofeedback
What is direct biofeedback?
Produce an accurate representation of the process being recorded
What is an example of direct biofeedback?
Heart rate monitor
What is transformed biofeedback?
Provided a representation (visual, auditory, etc. of the process being recorded
What is an example of transformed biofeedback?
EMG
What does EMG stand for?
ElectroMyoGraphic
What is EMG?
Technique used to evaluate and record muscle activity produced by skeletal muscle
What is feedback?
Providing information to a patient about the patient’s state/activity
What is depolarization in terms of EMG?
When a muscle is detected by an electrode placed in close proximity on the surface of a patient’s skin
What is gain (µV)?
Determines the sensitivity of a device or its ability to reflect various levels of electric (ions) activity
The higher the _______ _______, the higher the _________ of an EMG device
Gain setting, sensitivity
What is increased gain?
=Increased sensitivity = Small changes in electrical activity produce an EMG signal
What is decreased gain?
Small changes will not be detected
What is peak amplitude?
Highest EMG activity (µV) recorded during a muscle contraction. Max contraction force represented by myoelectrical activity
What does peak amplitude demonstrate?
How strong of a contraction the patient is able to create
What is threshold amplitude (µV)?
-Target or goal amplitude of volitional contraction
-Usually initially set between rest and normal
What is the EMG amplitude for a muscle at rest?
2 µV
What is the EMG amplitude for a muscle contraction?
20 to 30 µV
What is contraction latency?
Time it takes muscle to reach peak amplitude following command to contact muscle (~5 sec)
What is return latency?
Time from command to stop a muscle contraction to the point when myoelectric activity returns to baseline (~1 sec)
What is hold capacity?
Time during a consistent EMG amplitude (sustained contraction of muscle) is observed
What does hold capacity measure?
Fatiguability of a muscle
What is the use of EMG biofeedback?
Provided information to the user of amount of volitional alteration of myoelectrical activity
Why is the use of EMG biofeedback helpful to the patient?
The help the patient patient learn how to increase or decrease muscle activity
What is the order of a closed loop?
Physiological signal –> patient response –> detection and feedback
What type of loop does biofeedback utilize?
Closed loop
What is the order of open loop?
Physiological signal –> patient response
What are the two types of feedback?
Negative feedback (Inhibition)
Positive feedback (Facilitation)
What are some clinical indications for biofeedback?
Training the patient to develop internal cues
Train the patient to regain voluntary control
What are some training techniques that encourage biofeedback?
Use of mirrors
Use of manual tapping cues
Verbal cues/auditory cues
Guided movements
What conditions has indicated benefit for EMG?
Hemiplegia
Quadriceps strengthening
Headache
Pelvic floor disorders
Chronic pain conditions
TMJ disorderes
Why is biofeedback benifical for TMJ disorders?
Helps with decreasing myofascial or muscular pain and improving mandible opening compared to placebo or splinting
What are the device characteristics for biofeedback?
Mode of feedback
Threshold
Gain/sensitivity
What is low gain useful for?
Muscle re-education
What is high hain useful for?
Relaxation training
What are the different types of visual cues?
Flashing lights
Meter read outs
Oscilloscope
Computer screens
What are the different types of auditory cues?
Changing tones
Clicks
How many electrodes does biofeedback need for application?
3
What is the 3rd electrode used for EMG?
It indicates a reference which can be placed between or adjacent to active electrodes
What does the 3rd electrode eliminate in biofeedback?
Noise from other muscle groups
What are contraindications of EMG biofeedback?
Dermatological conditions
Allergy to electrode
Impaired mentation
No electrodes over eyes
Acute inflammatory conditions
Pregnancy
Bladder or vaginal infection
An MSK condition that gets worse with a muscle contraction
What are precautions for EMG biofeedback?
Impaired sensation
Sensitive skin
Epilepsy
