Cited by 761Stroke Rehabilitation and RecoveryMedical Practices and RehabilitationMuscle activation and electromyography studies

Biofeedback in rehabilitation

Open access
Giggins, Oonagh M, Persson, Ulrik, Caulfield, Brian·2013·Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation

Abstract

This paper reviews the literature relating to the biofeedback used in physical rehabilitation. The biofeedback methods used in rehabilitation are based on biomechanical measurements and measurements of the physiological systems of the body. The physiological systems of the body which can be measured to provide biofeedback are the neuromuscular system, the respiratory system and the cardiovascular system. Neuromuscular biofeedback methods include electromyography (EMG) biofeedback and real-time ultrasound imaging (RTUS) biofeedback. EMG biofeedback is the most widely investigated method of biofeedback and appears to be effective in the treatment of many musculoskeletal conditions and in post cardiovascular accident (CVA) rehabilitation. RTUS biofeedback has been demonstrated effective in the treatment of low back pain (LBP) and pelvic floor muscle dysfunction. Cardiovascular biofeedback methods have been shown to be effective in the treatment of a number of health conditions such as hypertension, heart failure, asthma, fibromyalgia and even psychological disorders however a systematic review in this field has yet to be conducted. Similarly, the number of large scale studies examining the use of respiratory biofeedback in rehabilitation is limited. Measurements of movement, postural control and force output can be made using a number of different devices and used to deliver biomechanical biofeedback. Inertial based sensing biofeedback is the most widely researched biomechanical biofeedback method, with a number of studies showing it to be effective in improving measures of balance in a number of populations. Other types of biomechanical biofeedback include force plate systems, electrogoniometry, pressure biofeedback and camera based systems however the evidence for these is limited. Biofeedback is generally delivered using visual displays, acoustic or haptic signals, however more recently virtual reality (VR) or exergaming technology have been used as biofeedback signals. VR and exergaming technology have been primarily investigated in post-CVA rehabilitation, however, more recent work has shown this type of biofeedback to be effective in improving exercise technique in musculoskeletal populations. While a number of studies in this area have been conducted, further large scale studies and reviews investigating different biofeedback applications in different clinical populations are required.

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Crossref · 10.1186/1743-0003-10-60

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  • Force plate systems provide feedback on balance, movement, and gait and have been shown to reduce the incidence of falls.

    “Force plate systems provide feedback on balance, movement, and gait and have been shown to reduce the incidence of falls.24”

    From A Review of Movement and Functional Impairments in Fibromyalgia: Implications for Targeted Treatment (2025) · cites this paper as [24]

    The Biomechanical biofeedback section states that force plate systems provide feedback on balance, movement and gait. It also reports reduced fall incidence, but specifically among frail older women living in residential care; the claim omits that population limit. (LLM, conf=0.84)

    Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
  • Moderate exercise, integrative neuromuscular training, Tai Chi, and Virtual Reality (VR) based exergaming show promise in improving postural stability and physical functioning.

    “Moderate exercise, integrative neuromuscular training, Tai Chi, and Virtual Reality (VR) based exergaming show promise in improving postural stability and physical functioning.5,24”

    From A Review of Movement and Functional Impairments in Fibromyalgia: Implications for Targeted Treatment (2025) · cites this paper as [24]

    The ‘Recent developments in biofeedback signal delivery’ section reports promising evidence for VR-based biofeedback and exergaming in rehabilitation, including studies of postural stability and upper-limb function. It does not support the claims about moderate exercise, integrative neuromuscular training, or Tai Chi; a search for those terms found no relevant discussion. The exergaming study also found similar postural-stability improvements with and without exergaming feedback. (LLM, conf=0.88)

    Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
  • Providing patients with EMDR, CBT, biofeedback or rTMS may enable them to gain control over physical processes, allowing for improved functional task performance and increased autonomy in their rehabilitation.

    “Providing patients with EMDR,4 CBT,9,12,17 biofeedback24 or rTMS26,33 may enable them to gain control over physical processes, allowing for improved functional task performance and increased autonomy in their rehabilitation.24”
  • The addition of virtual reality and therapeutic exergames offers patients opportunities to engage in meaningful, intensive, and enjoyable tasks related to their real-life interests and daily activities.

    “The addition of VR and therapeutic exergames offer patients opportunities to engage in meaningful, intensive, and enjoyable tasks related to their real-life interests and daily activities.24”

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  1. 10.1007/s10484-010-9140-z · DOI

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Authors
Giggins, O. M., Persson, U., & Caulfield, B.
Affiliations
University College Dublin (IE)
Corresponding author
Giggins, Oonagh M
Venue
Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation
Published
2013
Volume
10
Issue
1
Pages
60
ISSN
1743-0003 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W2158721732
Cited by
760
References
107
Citations by year
2026: 75 · 2025: 86 · 2024: 90 · 2023: 72 · 2022: 59 · 2021: 61 · 2020: 87 · 2019: 55 · 2018: 52 · 2017: 27 · 2016: 49 · 2015: 32 · 2014: 15
FWCI
5.04
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
cc-by
Locations
  • Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • Europe PMC (PubMed Central) (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Lenus, The Irish Health Repository (Dr Steevens Hospital Library) (submittedVersion)
Funders
Science Foundation Ireland
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Rehabilitation › Stroke Rehabilitation and Recovery
  • Health Sciences › Health Professions › Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation › Medical Practices and Rehabilitation
  • Physical Sciences › Engineering › Biomedical Engineering › Muscle activation and electromyography studies
Keywords
biofeedback, physical rehabilitation, EMG biofeedback, real-time ultrasound, respiratory biofeedback, inertial sensing, balance, stroke rehabilitation, low back pain, pelvic floor dysfunction, virtual reality, exergames, musculoskeletal disorders, haptic feedback
MeSH terms
Biofeedback, Psychology, Humans, Rehabilitation

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