Biofeedback therapy is when unconscious physical processes – such as muscle activity – are measured and visualized with the aim of enabling the patient to consciously influence these processes. The basis is the measured values of muscle activity, which are communicated to the patient acoustically via signals or visually via a diagram. To record and analyze muscle activity, electromyography (EMG for short) is performed – a measurement technique that aims to “[…] study muscle function by investigating the electrical signal generated by the muscles.”
The electromyogram not only allows the status quo of muscle activity to be recorded, but also the observation of muscle tone during certain movements or training or therapy sessions. In the course of biofeedback therapy, the values measured and recorded in this way are defined as threshold values. The patient is then informed via signals when these limits are exceeded or not reached, so that a targeted control and increase in the level of tension or arousal is possible.
Where exactly the threshold value is set – e.g. when the muscle is at rest – and when a signal is triggered – e.g. when a certain level of tension is reached or maintained – depends on the purpose of the therapy. For example, a specific muscle or muscle group can be specifically trained and strengthened. This method is often used in incontinence therapy, for example, to strengthen the pelvic floor and thus directly combat the cause of incontinence.1
HELLER MEDIZINTECHNIK GmbH & Co. KG has been a certified medical technology company for over 25 years and has many years of experience in designing solutions in the field of electrical nerve and muscle stimulation.
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