What Is EMG Sensor & What Is Its Role in Biofeedback Therapy?

Electromyography (EMG) is used to evaluate the nerve cells and muscle health. EMG results can aid in diagnosing muscle disorders, nerve conditions and other disorders affecting the muscle-nerve connection.

JOGO Health offers biofeedback therapy in Kolkata for medical conditions like urinary incontinence, speech disorders, and chronic pain. Biofeedback uses EMG sensors to record muscle activity.

Our guide will give you insights about the EMG sensor, how it works, and its benefits for biofeedback therapy.

Uses and Functions of the EMG Sensor

EMG or electromyography sensors measure small electromyography signals emitted by your muscles during movements. They can detect movements as small as lifting a finger or clenching your fist to move your entire body. The EMG translates these electrical impulses into graphs or numerical images that doctors can use to make a diagnosis.

Electromyography sensors can diagnose nerve—and muscle-related conditions, making them valuable to the medical field.
Doctors may recommend an EMG if you are experiencing symptoms indicating muscle or nerve disorders. The signs may include:

• Involuntary twitching of the muscles
• Muscle pain
• Numbness
• Tingling
• Paralysis

By studying these inputs, your doctor can diagnose the following medical conditions:

• Muscular dystrophies
• Radiculopathies
• Carpal tunnel syndrome

Types of EMG Sensors

There are two types of EMG sensors used for medical and other purposes. They are:

• Non-invasive surface EMG sensor
• Intramuscular EMG sensor

Apart from medical purposes, EMG sensors are also used for biomedical applications such as:

• Motor control disorders or Kinesiology
• Myoelectric signals for hand and leg prosthetics
• Robotic control systems
• Video games

Also Read: List Of Conditions Treated With Biofeedback Therapy

What Happens During an Electromyography?

Generally, an EMG test has two components:

1. A nerve conduction study is where sensors or nerve electrodes are placed on the skin to analyse how well your motor neurons can transmit electric signals.
2. Needle EMG involves inserting needle electrodes into muscle tissue to evaluate muscle activity when it contracts and during rest.

An EMG test commences with the nerve conduction study to assess how well your motor neurons communicate with your muscles. During the procedure, your doctor will place the electrodes on the site where you experience symptoms. Once the test is complete, they will remove the electrodes and sterilise the area with antiseptic.

In the next step, your doctor will use needle electrodes, which will be removed once the test is over. During the nerve conduction and needle EMG test, tiny electric signals will be transmitted to your nerves via the electrodes. A computer will assimilate these signals and translate them into images or graphs that your doctor will interpret later.

Working of EMG Sensor

The process begins with where the EMG sensors are placed. The intramuscular and surface electrodes differ from sensor placement. However, the working procedures share certain similarities.

The EMG sensors are placed in the tendons' innervation zone to ensure accurate signal detection. The electrodes begin detecting electrical activity detected by muscle movements. This electrical activity is translated in the form of waves onto a graph or an image.

How to Prepare for the EMG Test

An EMG test lasts for 30-60 minutes. It is important to talk to your doctor beforehand if you have:

• Bleeding disorders
• Pacemaker implants
• Defibrillator

You may not be the ideal candidate for an EMG if you have any of the above conditions. However, if you are scheduled for an EMG, you should:

• Take a shower to remove any oils from your skin.
• Avoid applying cream or lotions.
• Avoid smoking at least three hours before your appointment.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing.

How to Interpret Your EMG Results

A typical EMG result indicates:

• At rest, muscles should not have any electrical activity.
• The data should show varying rates and amplitudes when the muscle is fully contracted.

An abnormal EMG result reveals electrical impulses in resting muscles, which indicates:

• Disorder of the connecting nerves
• Inflammation caused by injuries
• Muscle disorder

If abnormal electrical activity is detected in your EMG during muscle contraction, you may have nerve disorders, herniated disc or carpal tunnel syndrome. Your physician will review any extra tests or treatments that might be required depending on your results.

How Accurate Are EMG Test Results?

On average, the accuracy of EMG tests is 80-85%. In some cases, the accuracy can be as high as 99%, especially for tests done on patients suffering from spastic diplegia.

What Are the Risks Associated With EMG Tests?

Generally, EMG tests have very low to nil risks. The only possible after-effect of the test may be soreness in the tested site. However, you can use pain relievers to alleviate the discomfort.

Symptoms like tingling and swelling may occur very rarely. If your symptoms persist or aggravate, you should immediately consult your doctor.

Wrapping Up

EMG sensors are widely used by doctors for further diagnosis of neurological and muscular conditions like numbness and unexpected muscle weakness. To learn more about EMG sensors and how they can treat your condition, please contact experts at JOGO Health India.

We are pioneers in using non-invasive, proven treatments for various conditions like urinary incontinence, speech disorders, and chronic pain.