EMG Biofeedback

Understanding EMG Biofeedback

Application of EMG Biofeedback in Pelvic Muscle Assessment and Training

Pelvic Floor Assessment and Rehabilitation

Strong pelvic floor is crucial for prevention of stress incontinence and other types of urinary incontinence. 

EMG stands for "electromyography", which means the measurement of muscle activity. Neurotrac EMG devices -  Neurotrac Myo Plus, Neurotrac Simplex, NeuroTrac MyoPlus2 and Neurotrac Myo Plus 4 - measure muscle activity in microvolts (µV), whilst measuring the duration of muscle contractions and muscle relaxations in seconds. Neurotrac Software for use with the Neurotrac EMG devices - Neurotrac Myo Plus, Neurotrac Simplex, Neurotrac MyoPlus2 and Neurotrac MyoPlus 4 - enables data storage and analysis. Neurotrac Software is capable of storing and analysing data of many thousands of patients. Neurotrac Software ensures that clinics using Neurotrac electromyography devices utilise the Neurotrac equipment to its highest potential.   

Refer to Neuromuscular Electrodes page for superior range of Neuromuscular Stimulation skin electrodes and TENS therapy skin electrodes.

EMG machines can differ from machine to machine and therefore, their readings also can differ. This means that it is not possible to state 100% precisely, what the ‘normal’ measurement for a given muscle is.

However, based on the experience with the Neurotrac EMG devices, expected measurements and readings are outlined as follows:

Muscle Rest/Work Measurements

Muscle begins to rest, when a reading of 4 µV is shown. The lower the reading - the more relaxed is the muscle state. At the beginning of treatment and often even some weeks later, it may not be possible to achieve such low readings. However, elevated measurements at this early point of the assessment should not give a reason for concern.
 
Point to consider: When performing the measurements it is important to remember that the body's positioning affects the readings. For instance, activities within the pelvic floor muscles as well as the measurements differ depending on the position – i.e. lying down, sitting or standing. Measurements taken, whilst standing are naturally a little higher than those achieved while sitting or lying down. This is because the muscles are most active, when standing.  

Pelvic Muscle readings that can be expected, when exercising Pelvic Floor Muscles in a sitting position:

• Pelvic Muscle at Rest:  3 – 7 microvolts / graded Excellent when below 3 microvolts
• Pelvic Muscle at Work: 12 – 20 microvolts / graded Very Good when higher than 20 microvolts
• Pelvic Muscle Contraction Time: 0.6 – 1 second / graded Very Good when less than 0.6 second
• Pelvic Muscle Release Time: 0.6 – 1 second / graded Very Good when less than 0.6 second

As indicated above, these values can be higher for exercises done while standing up and lower if lying down.

Muscle Contraction Times

Muscle contraction is measured in seconds. The faster the response - the more developed and the faster twitching muscle fibres are. When the onset of contraction is slow (i.e. 1.2 second or more) - most people will achieve a significant improvement with regular pelvic floor exercises. 

Muscle Release Times

Muscle release is also measured in seconds. Release time is similar to the muscle contraction time. Release time that is 1.2 second or more will improve with regular pelvic floor exercises.

How often should pelvic floor exercises be conducted?

Using Neurotrac Simplex, conduct 5 rapid contractions and releases - rest for 2 minutes - repeat 5 rapid contractions and releases. This exercise will improve fast twitch muscle fibres.

Rest for 5 minutes. Then set work/rest times for 5 seconds and repeat 5 times.

Rest for 5 minutes. Then repeat as in section 2 above.

Repeat the same as in 1 - 3 sections above later in the day (i.e. exercise pelvic muscles twice daily) for 4 weeks/1 month.

In the second month increase the work/rest times to 10 - 15 seconds with 5 repetitions. This regime will strengthen the muscles and increase endurance.

Continuous Pelvic Floor Exercise Regime

During the second month of exercising, the muscles should feel stronger. The strength should be confirmed by readings/measurements. If results are satisfactory - either continue with daily regime or reduce it to 3 - 4 times per week for 3 months. If subsequently good stable results are achieved, reduce the sessions to 2 - 3 times per week.

Pelvic Floor Health Recommendation

Pelvic floor is of paramount importance to overall health, lifetime continence and good sexual function. We urge everyone who has concerns to consult their healthcare professional for appropriate advice or for further specialist referral.

Refer to Muscle Assessment and Rehab page for further information about the Neurotrac EMG devices.

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