Biofeedback Flashcards
intrinsic feedback includes:
vision, proprioception, auditory, somatosensory, smell
occurs naturally as a result of a bodily action or function
extrinsic feedback includes:
information by artificial means, not the body
biofeedback includes
HR
brain waves
respiratory rate
EMG
EMGBF
EMG biofeedback
no electrical stim is applied to the patient
electrical activity from the patient’s muscle is monitored by the unit and conveyed through visual or auditory information
what does EMGBF detect physiologically?
depolarization of the sarcolemma
how does EMGBF help the patient?
muscle activity is converted to auditory or visual cues so patient can increase or decrease muscle activation to perform a movement correctly
clinical applications/diagnoses using EMGBF
arthritis
LBP
post op procedures
stroke
CP
pelvic floor musculature
is therapist or EMGBF more instantaneous?
EMGBF
reduces processing time required between patient response and feedback as well as time to make an effort to modify patient response
is EMGBF used to activate or inhibit muscle activity?
both
what does the amplitude of EMG indicate?
size and number of motor units firing
more accurate in isometric
less accurate bc electrode is sliding over skin and isn’t over the same exact point on the muscle
patients appropriate for biofeedback are:
impaired motor function
impaired muscle performance
muscle spasms from immobilization/deconditioning/MSK or neuro trauma
pain causing increased muscle activity/tone
patient considerations to be a good candidate for EMGBF:
good motivation
orientation
cognition
understanding premise of BF training
measurable muscle response by unit and voluntary activation
adequate vision or hearing to receive feedback
CVA: spasticity vs recruitment training
CVA considerations in BF training
spastic overactive muscles are likely weak in ROMs they have not moved in
balance relaxation training with recruitment of weak muscles in new ranges
functional outcomes of EMGBF
decrease risk of secondary impairments from poor joint movement
perform physical tasks better
complications reduced
joint integrity/mobility improved
gain of the signal is:
sensitivity of signal amplitude
low vs high amplifications and sensitivity
low amplification is the most sensitive, picks up weak muscle contraction
high amplification is less sensitive and more tuned for strong contraction
sensitivity ranges:
0-1
0-10
0-100
0-1000
micro volts (uV)
electrode placement and effect on signal
electrode placement close together samples from a smaller section of muscle area, farther apart is a larger area
time constant
how often it updates?
set shorter for muscle recruitment for more frequent and quick feedback
set longer for relaxation training for slower feedback
threshold detector
on signal is only provided once a particular level of relaxation or contraction is reached
OR
provides an off signal only once a particular level of relaxation or contraction is reached
shaping
modifying the threshold level as the patient’s control over the muscle changes
raise as muscle activates
lower as muscle relaxes
electrode size
chosen based on muscle size
want a large sample of the muscle without recording overflow from other muscles
cross talking
specific type of electrical activity produced by agonistic muscle groups
interferes with reception of the muscle group we want to record
ground electrode
determines that the appropriate muscle is being recorded and not other electrical activity
can be placed between recording electrodes or on bony prominence in the vicinity
how to maintain good conduction with electrodes
use medium like gel added or on electrodes
skin prep with cleaning/abrasing of skin
avoid excessive adipose or scarring
place electrode parallel to muscle fibers
