Electromyography Biofeedback
Pronunciation: ih-lek-troh-my-OG-ruh-fee BY-oh-feed-bak
A therapeutic technique in which surface or needle electrodes detect muscle electrical activity and relay the signal to the patient as real-time visual or auditory feedback to aid motor relearning.
Full Definition
Electromyography (EMG) biofeedback is used in rehabilitation to help patients regain voluntary muscle control after neurological injury or surgery by making normally imperceptible muscle activity perceptible. The technique is distinct from diagnostic EMG, which is used to identify pathology rather than to retrain movement. In rehab technology documentation, editors should note whether the context is therapeutic biofeedback or diagnostic electromyography, as these are different procedures with different billing codes and clinical rationale. The term is sometimes hyphenated as 'electromyography bio-feedback' in older literature, but contemporary style favours the unhyphenated form.
Usage
Usage note: Always spell out on first use; 'EMG biofeedback' is an acceptable shortened form thereafter. Do not use 'EMG' alone as a stand-in for the biofeedback application.
In Context
- "The rehabilitation protocol specified electromyography biofeedback sessions twice weekly to facilitate voluntary wrist extension in the patient with hemiplegia." — Inpatient rehabilitation protocol
- "Editors should verify that 'electromyography biofeedback' is not shortened to 'EMG' alone, as that abbreviation refers to the diagnostic procedure in most clinical style guides." — Editorial style guide for rehab technology documentation