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ISSN: 3107-7617 (Online) | Frequency: Half-yearly | Type: Open Access | Peer Review: Double Blind

Editor in Chief : Prof. (Dr.) Suraj Kumar

About : The Sports, Health & Wellness Insights journal is a bi-annual, peer-reviewed, national e-journal. It is dedicated to advancing interdisciplinary scholarship in therapy, rehabilitation, health sciences, and wellness. Journal at a Glance Title Sports, Health & Wellness Insights Frequency Bi-Annual Sco Read more

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Role of EMG Biofeedback Training for Spasticity Reduction in Neurological Disorders: A Narrative Review

  • Manisha Mishra Manisha Mishra MPT 1st year Student Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Allied and Healthcare Sciences, Uttar Pradesh University of Medical Sciences, Saifai, Etawah, Uttar Pradesh, India. India Manisha Mishra ORCID Id ,  
  • Neha Dubey* Neha Dubey Corresponding author Assistant Professor Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Allied and Healthcare Sciences, Uttar Pradesh University of Medical Sciences, Saifai, Etawah, Uttar Pradesh, India, India ,  
  • Gowrishankar Potturi Gowrishankar Potturi Associate Professor and HOD Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Allied and Healthcare Sciences, Uttar Pradesh University of Medical Sciences, Saifai, Etawah, Uttar Pradesh, India, India ,  
  • Mayank Kumar Mayank Kumar Assistant Professor Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Allied and Healthcare Sciences, Uttar Pradesh University of Medical Sciences, Saifai, Etawah, Uttar Pradesh, India, India ,  
  • KB Ranjeet Singh Chaudhary KB Ranjeet Singh Chaudhary Demonstrator Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Allied and Healthcare Sciences, Uttar Pradesh University of Medical Sciences, Saifai, Etawah, Uttar Pradesh, India, India ,  
  • Anjali Agarwal Anjali Agarwal Demonstrator Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Allied and Healthcare Sciences, Uttar Pradesh University of Medical Sciences, Saifai, Etawah, Uttar Pradesh, India India
Received: September 16, 2025
Accepted: October 25, 2025
Published: December 24, 2025
Volume: 1 (2) | Page: 10-21

Abstract

Spasticity is one of the disabling complications of upper motor neuron dysfunction and is seen in many neurological disorders. Spasticity management is one of the toughest problems in neuro-rehabilitation. Biofeedback training using electromyography (EMG) has been suggested as an adjuvant treatment for improving voluntary motor control in patients suffering from neurological disorders.

The objective of the narrative review was to examine the current evidence regarding the efficacy of EMG biofeedback training for the reduction of spasticity in various neurological disorders and also discuss its relevance in physiotherapy practice.

A narrative literature review was conducted using the peer-reviewed journal articles, systematic reviews, and clinical studies on EMG biofeedback and spasticity in various neurological disorders such as stroke, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, and spinal cord injuries.

When compared with conventional physiotherapy, the reviewed evidence suggests that EMG biofeedback training may enhance voluntary muscle activation and functional outcomes. While results in multiple sclerosis were limited and largely case-based, stronger and more consistent evidence was observed across populations affected by stroke and spinal cord injury.

EMG biofeedback appears to be a promising adjunct modality in the rehabilitation of spasticity in neurological disorders. However, further well-designed studies with standardized protocols are required to strengthen clinical recommendations and expand their application in physiotherapy practice.

Keywords: EMG biofeedback; Spasticity; Stroke; Cerebral palsy; Multiple sclerosis; and Spinal cord injury.

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