In stroke rehabilitation, biofeedback therapy is a modern rehabilitation technology based on the principle of neuroplasticity, which aims to help patients re-establish and strengthen the motor function of the affected-side muscles and promote the recovery of limb function through the application of electromyographic signals (EMG) on the affected side.
The following is its core content and application description:
1. Basic principles of EMG
Electromyographic signal (EMG): Detecting the electrical signal generated by muscle contraction through surface electrodes or needle electrodes, that is, "electromyographic activity".
Instant feedback: The detected muscle activity is converted into visual (such as screen waveforms, animations) or auditory (such as sound intensity) signals, so that patients can intuitively perceive the status of their own muscles (such as whether the muscles are activated, the strength of contraction, etc.) through the system. These signals can also be converted into digital signals to control the robotic system, allowing patients to complete limb movement training based on their autonomous movement consciousness control system, thereby promoting the recovery of motor function of the affected limb.
Stroke patients often have decreased muscle control on the affected side due to nerve damage. Through the EMG biofeedback system, patients can learn through feedback to reestablish and strengthen the motor function of the affected muscles and improve muscle coordination.
2. Specific application in stroke rehabilitation
(1) Restoration of upper limb function
Goal: Improve hand grasp, wrist movement, elbow joint movement, etc.
Methods: Electrodes are placed on the affected muscles (such as the deltoid and biceps). When the patient attempts to contract, the EMG signal triggers the robotic system to provide corresponding feedback (including mechanical assistance and NMES).
(2) Lower limb walking training
Goal: restore gait coordination and balance.
Application: Monitoring of tibialis anterior (to prevent foot drop) or quadriceps activity, combined with robotic system/treadmill training, immediate feedback to correct abnormal gait.
(3) Spasm management
Question: Muscle spasms (such as flexor spasm) are common after stroke.
Countermeasures: High-intensity exercise combined with NMES treatment can improve muscle coordination and contracture on the affected side.
(4) Principle of neuroplasticity Core mechanism: Conduct high-intensity, repetitive training to reestablish and strengthen the motor function of the affected muscles and rebuild the damaged motor control network through multimodal stimulation of the robotic system.
3. Clinical effects and research support
Evidence-based evidence: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have shown that patients who receive EMG biofeedback combined with mechanical-assisted NMES treatment have significantly better voluntary muscle control (such as Fugl-Meyer score), joint range of motion, and functional independence than those who receive non-biofeedback training and non-machine-assisted mechanical-assisted NMES treatment.
Advantages: More effective in improving motor function, more effective in improving muscle coordination, and more effective in improving contracture.
Suitable for patients with varying degrees of motor impairment. The EMG biofeedback system is suitable for patients with mild to moderate motor impairment.
4. Treatment process and technology integration
Assessment phase: set personalized goals.
Training phase: 3-5 times a week, 30-60 minutes each time, combined with robot-assisted equipment training.
Integrated treatment: It can be used together with traditional physical therapy, acupuncture, task-specific training, etc. to be more effective.
5. Precautions and limitations
Applicability: Patients are required to have basic cognitive abilities to understand the device.
Difference in efficacy: The effect in chronic stroke patients (>6 months) may be weaker than that in subacute stroke patients (<6 months).
The electrode patch is a consumable item and needs to be replaced.
Conclusion
EMG biofeedback therapy, through the cycle of "perception-learning-remodeling", combined with mechanical assistance-NMES therapy, provides stroke patients with a high-intensity, repetitive, multi-modal stimulation rehabilitation model with autonomous movement consciousness control, which is suitable for improving movement disorders of affected limbs after stroke. Its combination with emerging technologies (such as remote and efficient rehabilitation models, multimodal combined treatment, AI analysis, etc.) is further promoting the development of precision rehabilitation. See our product for more information:
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