Effectiveness of therapeutic electromyographic biofeedback after orthopedic knee surgeries: a systematic review.

KNEE physiology; QUADRICEPS muscle physiology; ONLINE information services; MEDICAL databases; RANGE of motion of joints; PAIN; TOTAL knee replacement; ORTHOPEDIC surgery; SYSTEMATIC reviews; PHYSICAL therapy; BIOFEEDBACK training; HEALTH outcome assessment; MENISCECTOMY; RANDOMIZED controlled trials; FUNCTIONAL assessment; MUSCLE strength; ELECTROMYOGRAPHY; REHABILITATION; MEDLINE; ANTERIOR cruciate ligament surgery; RESEARCH bias; KNEE surgery; GREY literature; PAIN management; EVALUATION

To present an evidence-based overview of the current utilization and the effectiveness of therapeutic Electromyographic Biofeedback (EMG-BF) in rehabilitation after orthopedic knee surgeries. This systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA statement. MEDLINE (PubMed), PEDro, The Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases were searched from their inception to June 20, 2020. Eight RCTs investigating effectiveness of the EMG-BF in rehabilitation after orthopedic knee surgeries were identified. The quality scores for included studies ranged from 6 to 8 on PEDro Scale. Most of the included studies reported that EMG-BF was more effective compared to home exercises, standard rehabilitation program or electrical stimulation for improving quadriceps strength or activation. Besides, EMG-BF was revealed positive results in functional assessments except gait velocity and IKDC. Only two studies reported knee ROMs were significantly improved in favour of EMG-BF. This systematic review shows that EMG-BF seems to control pain and improve quadriceps femoris strength and functionality. However, the results are inconclusive regarding knee ROMs. Although available high‐quality evidence is limited, EMG-BF might be a part of the rehabilitation after knee surgeries. This paper reviews the effectiveness of the therapeutic EMG-BF as a potential option in rehabilitation after orthopedic knee surgeries. It is recommended EMG-BF can be used to control pain and to improve quadriceps strength and function. There is insufficient evidence to support EMG-BF to improve the range of motion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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