Evaluating the Effectiveness of sEMG Biofeedback for Posture Training and Scoliosis Management

Digital devices, particularly smartphones and tablets, are used by the vast majority of the global population. This usage often causes the head to tilt forward, placing significant strain on the neck and shoulders. While this posture adversely affects healthy individuals, it is particularly problematic for scoliosis patients, exacerbating spinal deformation. Therefore, this study evaluates the effectiveness of a 30-session surface electromyography (sEMG) biofeedback posture training program for managing spinal curvature progression in adolescents with mild scoliosis. The program is aimed at reducing imbalanced paraspinal muscle activity and controlling curvature progression. Prior to training, a significant muscle activity imbalance was observed. Posttraining, however, muscle activity becomes more balanced, with significant improvements noted in the latissimus dorsi and thoracic erector spinae muscles. It also demonstrates that the training may assist in stabilizing scoliosis progression. These findings suggest that sEMG biofeedback posture training can be an effective intervention for adolescents with mild scoliosis. However, further research is needed to confirm the findings and explore the intervention's long-term effects.