What is the evidence for electromyographic biofeedback in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee?
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Summary
Patient Population:
4/6 studies identified included participants with knee joint pathology. Two studies included individuals with OA.
Intervention:
Electromyographic biofeedback (EMGBF). Duration of intervention ranged from 19 days – 4 weeks in the majority of studies.
Comparison:
Comparison groups identified: placebo and/or exercise-only comparison groups. There were 6 studies identified for inclusion. Total PEDro scale scores ranged from 5 – 8 (mean = 6 ± 1.03). An Oxford CEBM level of 1B was assigned to all of the studies included in the present review.
Outcome:
The authors noted that the EMGBF interventions appeared to be associated with an overall positive effect. However, this effect was of statistical significance on only 3 occasions (ES ranged from 1.38 – 5.56).
