Posture control using electrical stimulation biofeedback: a pilot study

The investigation studied the effects of biofeedback on the sitting posture of a 14 year old girl with cerebral palsy. The subject's posture was quantified using a video analysis technique which established the threshold of poor posture at 30 degrees from the vertical plane. A stimulator system was designed using an adapted drop foot stimulator and a custom made controller with a mercury tilt switch as the posture angle transducer. If posture became greater than 30 degrees tactile electrical stimulation was administered to the subject's lower back. Repetitive stimuli occurred on non-correction of posture, with a maximum of 4 consecutive stimuli, upon which an alarm was activated. 10 training sessions of 20 min duration were completed over a 4 week period, monitored using a data logger. Following initial improvement the daily results show a gradual deterioration in posture, whilst post-trial video analysis indicates a significant improvement in posture. An improved response to the alarm stimulus is observed. Reasons for these conflicting findings are discussed.