Cervical traction using EMG biofeedback

The increase of age-related diseases such as musculoskeletal and neurological dysfunction will require increased use of rehabilitation therapy. The effectiveness of this treatment depends of the skill of the therapist and the functionality inherent in the therapeutic device used. Here, a new EMG biofeedback controlled therapeutic traction machine was developed to relieve neck pain or cervical compression syndrome. Through EMG biofeedback and traction force control, muscle injury, neck soreness or pain, after traction can be avoided. This traction modality not only provides safety and quantitative assessment of traction therapy, but also demonstrates the feasibility of applying computer controlled biofeedback technologies in the use of medical devices.