Yoshihiro Muraoka, PhD, Akiyo Ishio, PT, BS, Kotaro Takeda, PhD
Jpn J Compr Rehabil Sci 5: 1-6, 2014
Objectives: EMG-BF therapy in rehabilitation clinics
requires the installation of an expensive electromyographic
biofeedback (EMG-BF) device. However, many
medical institutions find it difficult to purchase the
device because of the high cost, and so the availability
of EMG-BF therapy is limited. This study aimed to
develop a low-cost and simply designed EMG-BF
device using a stereo microphone port. The device can
be easily fabricated even by people without knowledge
and skills related to electronics.
Methods: The proposed device comprises an EMG
amplifier, personal computer (PC) with a microphone
port, electrodes, and their cables. The device is
designed to be as simple as possible and with minimum
components so that medical staff can obtain the
required components and easily fabricate the device
themselves.
Results: The amplifier consists of approximately 20
easily obtained components, and costs approximately
1,600 yen in total. This device can display the
voluntary EMG of the extensor carpi radialis and
flexor carpi ulnaris muscles in normal adults on a PC
screen, enabling the amount of muscle contraction to
be identified.
Conclusion: This device may help increase the use of
EMG-BF therapy, and thus improve the quality of
rehabilitation in clinics and homes.
Key words: EMG monitor, EMG biofeedback therapy, motor learning, neurorehabilitation