Videotape immediate playback: a tool in rehabilitation of persons with amputations

This study attempted to measure whether immediate videotape feedback would improve the degree of motor learning and ambulation performances of amputee patients. Twelve amputee patients were randomly assigned either to a control or to an experimental group. Subjects in the experimental group were videotaped during four sessions at weekly intervals and were permitted to view tapes to discuss their performances with the experimenter, to attempt to correct mistakes and to view the second effort again. Members of the control group were also videotaped at weekly intervals but they did not view the tapes or discuss their performances. Initial and final tapes of both groups were rated by a group of physicians and physical therapists on an Amputee Gait Rating Scale which consisted of objective behavioral measures of ambulation. Reliability of ratings was determined and difference scores between the groups were calculated. Results indicate that immediate television feedback is a valuable adjunct in the teaching process for the amputee patient.