EMG-biofeedback therapy for rupture of the extensor pollicis longus tendon.

EMG-biofeedback therapy was attempted in five cases of EPL tendon rupture with residual postoperative functional disabilities such as weakness of extension or extension lag of the thumb, and improvement was obtained in muscle strength, range of motion, and performance of daily activities. EMG-biofeedback therapy is a method which, utilizing visual or auditory information, supplements and facilitates the intrinsic feedback mechanism in the human body. This method is applied as a treatment to improve motor dysfunction. The effectiveness of the therapy is elucidated by a neural motor control theory based on the sensory-motor feedback loop.