Evaluation of biofeedback for improving head and trunk position in children with multiple, severe disabilities

: Many children with severe and profound disabilities exhibit poor head or trunk control. Because achievement of head and trunk righting is imperative for development across motor, cognitive, and social skills areas, physical therapists generally attempt to encourage appropriate posture via exercises and positioning. Biofeedback, in which information concerning head and trunk position is provided to children via alternative sensory channels, may represent an adjunctive treatment that can be carried out throughout the child's day, without the therapist's presence. In this study, a simple biofeedback strategy that provided music contingent on appropriate posture was evaluated with two young children with multiple, severe disabilities. The children responded to this intervention by increasing the time they spent in correct positions. Thus, the procedure showed promise for use during unstructured times to facilitate therapy goals. Future research should attempt to determine optimal treatment duration, types of feedback that are effective, and improvements in adaptive behavior over time.