Evaluating Effectiveness of sEMG Biofeedback for Posture Training and Scoliosis Management

The vast majority of the global population uses digital devices, in particular, smartphones and tablets. Their use causes the head to tilt forward, and the posture exerts a significant amount of strain onto the neck and shoulders of users. This would normally have adverse effects on a healthy population but poor posture especially exacerbates the spinal deformation of scoliosis patients. As such, this study evaluates the effectiveness of a 30-session surface electromyography (sEMG) biofeedback posture training program for managing the progression of spinal curvature in adolescents with mild scoliosis. The program is designed to reduce imbalanced paraspinal muscle activity and control the progression of the curvature. Prior to the training, significant imbalance is observed in the muscle activity. However, post-training, the muscle activity increases in balance with significant improvements noted in the trapezius and lumbar erector spinae muscles. The study also finds that the training effectively controls the progression of scoliosis. These findings suggest that sEMG biofeedback posture training can be an effective intervention for adolescents with mild scoliosis. Further research is however needed to confirm the findings and explore the long-term effects of the intervention.