J Korean Acad Rehabil Med.  2005 Jun;29(3):260-265.

The Effect of Biofeedback Treatment in Children with Spastic-Diplegic Cerebral Palsy

• Cheon SW
• Lee SY
• Choi IS
• Kim JH
• Lee SG

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effect of electromyography (EMG)-biofeedback treatment in children with spastic-diplegic cerebral palsy. METHOD: Twenty patients with spastic diplegia, who could recognize the auditory and visual stimulation, were recruited. Ten patients underwent EMG-biofeedback treatment with neurodevelopmental treatment (NDT) for 12 weeks, 3 times a week, total 1 hour a day, but age-, sex- and functional-matched ten controls underwent only NDT. Before and after the treatment, active range of motion, spasticity, muscle strength and Functional Independence Measure for Children (WeeFIM) and Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) were measured. RESULTS: In experimental group, there was a significant increase in active range of motion of hip and ankle joints (p<0.05). Spasticity of ankle joint was decreased, but it was not statistically significant (p>0.05). Muscle strength of ankle dorsiflexor and hip extensor muscles was significantly improved (p<0.05). WeeFIM and GMFM scores significantly increased in an experimental group (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: EMG-biofeedback treatment in children with spastic-diplegic cerebral palsy might be an effective adjuvant to NDT through the muscle reeducation.

Keyword

Biofeedback; Spastic diplegia; Cerebral palsy; Muscle reeducation

MeSH Terms

Ankle
Ankle Joint
Biofeedback, Psychology*
Cerebral Palsy*
Child*
Electromyography
Hip
Humans
Muscle Spasticity
Muscle Strength
Muscles
Photic Stimulation
Range of Motion, Articular