EMG biofeedback to improve balance in older adults with osteoporosis

Effect of Biofeedback Activation on Balance in Osteoporotic Elderly Patients

This will try EMG biofeedback of the gluteus medius combined with balance training to improve balance, muscle activation, physical performance, and quality of life in people aged 65–75 with osteoporosis.

Quick facts

• Phase: Not applicable
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 60 (estimated)
• Ages: 65 Years to 75 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Cairo University (Academic / other)
• Locations: 1 site (Abū Ḩummuş)
• Trial ID: NCT07333989 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This interventional, single-center study enrolls 60 adults aged 65–75 with osteoporosis (DEXA T-score ≤ -2.5) and BMI 25–29.9 to receive gluteus medius electromyography (EMG) biofeedback combined with structured balance training. The program is delivered in person and aims to increase gluteus medius activation during balance tasks. Outcomes include standardized balance measures, physical performance tests, EMG recordings of muscle activity, and quality-of-life assessments. Key exclusions include implanted electrical devices, active contagious skin conditions, cardiopulmonary or neuromuscular disorders, and endocrine causes of metabolic bone disease.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are community-dwelling adults aged 65–75 with osteoporosis confirmed by DEXA (T-score ≤ -2.5), a BMI of 25–29.9 kg/m², and intact cognition who can attend in-person training.

Not a fit: Patients with implanted electrical devices (such as pacemakers), active contagious skin conditions, significant cardiopulmonary or neuromuscular disease, or endocrine causes of metabolic bone disease are unlikely to be eligible or to receive benefit.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could improve balance and muscle control, reduce fall risk, and enhance quality of life for older adults with osteoporosis.

How similar studies have performed: Previous small trials using EMG biofeedback to enhance muscle activation and balance have shown promising but modest benefits, and this study applies that approach specifically to osteoporotic older adults.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* All patients included in this study met the following criteria:

  1. Sixty patients of both sexes were diagnosed with osteoporosis confirmed by bone density test through Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan (A T-score equal to or less than - 2.5) (Sheu and Diamond, 2016).
  2. Their age ranged between 65 - 75 years.
  3. Their BMI ranged between 25 - 29.9 kg/m2.
  4. They had good mentality and cognitive function.

Exclusion Criteria:

* The potential patients were excluded if they have one of the following criteria:

  1. Patients with endocrine disorders likely to be related to metabolic bone disease, such as premature ovarian failure, hypogonadism, untreated hyperthyroidism, hyperparathyroidism, adrenal insufficiency or Cushing's syndrome.
  2. Patients with active contagious skin conditions.
  3. Patients with implant devices such as pacemaker or electrical prosthesis.
  4. Any cardiopulmonary disorders.
  5. Any neuromuscular disorders.
  6. Any acute viral infection.
  7. Patients with ascites or end stage liver or kidney failure.
  8. Leg discrepancy.

Where this trial is running

Abū Ḩummuş

• General Hospital Abouhms — Abū Ḩummuş, Egypt (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Mohamed Alhamrawy

Conditions Balance Problems; Elderly; Osteoporosis; Balance training; Gluteus medius; Electromyography biofeedback; Quality of life; performance.