Role Of EMG Biofeedback On Ankle To Improve Balance In Young Old Geriatric Population - A Randomised Control Trial

Note: This article has been retracted due to publication concerns BACKGROUND - Falls in the elderly have become an significant public health issue. Approximately 30% of the older population falls once a year, with greater risk for older women. WHO addresses the situation as a public health issue because falls lead to injuries and fractures.4 It is known that during quiet standing, sway of entire body is correlated highly with the ankle joint rotation and this explains why muscles crossing the ankle joint are able to provide sensory information necessary to maintain upright standing. The ankle strategy is particularly effective in responding to the small and slow perturbations, and these muscles play a crucial role in the fine-tuned adjustments needed for postural control during activities such as standing, walking, or other weight-bearing tasks. Electromyographic (EMG) biofeedback serves as precious physiotherapy tool in enhancing and optimizing the ankle strategy, particularly in the environment of balance and postural control. With the use of EMG-biofeedback, elderly individuals can be taught to manipulate previously uncontrollable or unfelt events by modifying the signals that are shown. METHOD – Total 84 subjects participated in the study. Subjects were screened according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Baseline outcome measures which included the MiniBEST test and functional reach test were assessed. MiniBEST test is used for dynamic balance and functional mobility, it contains 14 items whereas functional reach test was used to assess static balance with outstretched hand. Subjects were randomly allotted into three groups. Group 1 was given balance protocol. Group 2 was given EMG Biofeedback with balance exercises. The group 3 was given only EMG Biofeedback, outcome measures were reassessed post intervention. This study showed that statistical and clinical significance was observed in all the intra-groups(p<0.05). Within the group the study showed greater improvement clinically and statistically in Group 2. ANNOVA test showed Group 3 being more affective compared to other 2 groups. CONCLUSION - The study concluded that EMG Biofeeback training should be included in along with exercise protocol to improve balance.