EMG FEEDBACK-ASSISTED POSTOPERATIVE REHABILITATION OF MINOR ARTHROSCOPIC KNEE SURGERIES

This study assessed the effectiveness of surface integrated electromyo graphic (ERG) biofeedback in the rehabilitation of 51 patients undergo ing minor arthroscopic knee surgery, Prior to surgery, both control (n =23) and treatment (n=28) groups received verbal and written explanati ons of postoperative isometric exercises; the treatment group received additional instruction in the use of ambulatory biofeedback equipment during exercise. Isokinetic tests of strength at approximately two we eks post-surgery revealed that patients given EMG biofeedback during p ostoperative exercise demonstrated significantly greater extensor torq ue and quadriceps muscle fiber recruitment than controls, Implications for the use of EMG biofeedback in long-term postoperative rehabilitat ion are discussed.