Exploring the Impact of EMG Biofeedback Training on Postural Stability in the Elderly: A Scoping Review

Kanika  Wadhwa; Anand Kumar  Singh; Radhika  Gupta; Shalini  Singh; Vishwajeet  Trivedi; Ankush  Sharma; Sheetal  Malhan

doi:10.18502/jimc.v9i2.21169

Kanika Wadhwa Department of Physiotherapy, Goenka University Gurugram, Haryana, India
Anand Kumar Singh Department of Physiotherapy, Goenka University Gurugram, Haryana, India
Radhika Gupta Department of Physiotherapy, Goenka University Gurugram, Haryana, India
Shalini Singh Department of Physiotherapy, Goenka University Gurugram, Haryana, India
Vishwajeet Trivedi Department of Physiotherapy, Goenka University Gurugram, Haryana, India
Ankush Sharma Department of Physiotherapy, Goenka University Gurugram, Haryana, India
Sheetal Malhan Department of Physiotherapy, Goenka University Gurugram, Haryana, India

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/jimc.v9i2.21169

Keywords: Accidental falls, Aged, Biofeedback, Demography, Electromyography, Feedback, Humans, Muscles, Proprioception, Psychology

Abstract

Postural stability is critical for preventing falls in the elderly, a population particularly vulnerable to injury, morbidity, and mortality from falls. Electromyography (EMG) biofeedback training has emerged as a potential intervention, offering real-time muscle activity feedback to improve neuromuscular control, proprioception, and muscle activation patterns. Despite promising results in various clinical populations, the application of EMG biofeedback for enhancing postural stability in the elderly remains underexplored. This scoping review aims to explore the impact of EMG biofeedback training on postural stability among older adults, evaluating its effectiveness, underlying mechanisms, and clinical implications for fall prevention. A scoping review methodology was employed to comprehensively analyze peer-reviewed literature published from 2010 to 2024. Studies were sourced from PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Web of Science. The review focused on randomized controlled trials, quasi-experimental, and observational studies examining the use of EMG biofeedback to enhance postural stability in elderly populations. Key variables such as intervention protocols, participant demographics, and outcomes were extracted and synthesized thematically. The review identified significant improvements in static and dynamic balance through EMG biofeedback training, with studies demonstrating enhanced muscle activation, reduced postural sway, and improved functional mobility. Notably, personalized biofeedback protocols showed superior outcomes, suggesting tailored interventions could optimize therapeutic effectiveness. While short-term benefits were evident, further research is needed to evaluate the long-term sustainability of these effects. Overall, EMG biofeedback presents a promising tool for improving postural stability and reducing fall risk in older adults.