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Published on: August 9, 2024
Effects of biofeedback treatment on gait in children with cerebral palsy
Erbil Dursun1, Nigar Dursun, Duygu Alican
1Kocaeli University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Kocaeli, Turkey. erbildursun@hotmail.com
Insights
Biofeedback treatment significantly improved ankle joint function and muscle tone in children with cerebral palsy. This approach enhanced gait function more effectively than conventional exercise alone.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pediatrics
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Cerebral palsy (CP) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder affecting motor function.
- Dynamic equinus deformity is a frequent gait abnormality in children with CP.
- Effective interventions to improve gait function in this population are crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the efficacy of biofeedback treatment on gait function in children with spastic cerebral palsy.
- To compare the outcomes of biofeedback-assisted therapy with conventional exercise programs.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 36 children with spastic CP and dynamic equinus deformity.
- The intervention group (n=21) received EMG biofeedback training alongside conventional exercises.
- The control group (n=15) received only conventional exercises.
- Evaluated parameters included active range of motion (ROM) of ankle joints, plantar flexor muscle tone, and overall gait function.
Main Results:
- The biofeedback group demonstrated statistically significant improvements in plantar flexor muscle tone and active ankle ROM (p < 0.000).
- Both groups showed significant gait function improvements, but the biofeedback group exhibited superior outcomes compared to the control group.
Conclusions:
- Biofeedback treatment offers a beneficial adjunct for improving ambulation in children with CP and dynamic equinus deformities.
- This modality shows promise for enhancing motor control and functional mobility in pediatric CP.
Purpose:
We evaluated the effectiveness of biofeedback treatment on gait function in children with cerebral palsy.
Method:
Thirty-six children with spastic cerebral palsy and dynamic equinus deformity were included in the study. The biofeedback group consisted of 21 children who each received EMG biofeedback training plus conventional exercise programme. The control group consisted of 15 children who each received conventional exercise programme only. Active range of motion of the ankle joints, muscle tone of plantar flexors, and gait function of the children were evaluated and compared.
Results:
The biofeedback group displayed statistically significant improvements regarding tonus of plantar flexor muscles and active ROM of ankle joints (p < 0.000 for all parameters). Gait function showed statistically significant progress in both of the groups, but the biofeedback group was superior to controls.
Conclusions:
Children with cerebral palsy and dynamic equinus deformities may benefit from biofeedback treatment for ambulation.
