Task-oriented biofeedback improves gait in stroke patients
Researchers from the Don Gnocchi Foundation I.R.C.C.S., in Milan, Italy tell us electromyographic biofeedback (EMG-BFB) shows equivocal benefits on gait retraining after stroke.
In this study they evaluated EMG-BFB applied in a task-oriented approach to increase peak ankle power of the affected leg and gait velocity in patients with hemiparesis.
First, the details.
- 20 patients with chronic mild-to-moderate partial paralysis affecting only one side of the body were randomly assigned to EMG-BFB or a control group that received conventional therapy.
- EMG-BFB involved the triceps surae during functional gait activities.
- Treatment was administered with a fading frequency of BFB application and an increasing variability in gait activities.
- Both groups had 20 treatments of 45 minutes each, including at least 15 minutes of walking-related therapy for the control group.
- Follow-up gait analysis was obtained 6 weeks after training.
And, the results.
- BFB treatment led to significant increases in peak ankle power at push-off with significant increases in velocity and stride length.
- The increases remained significant at 6 weeks.
- The control group showed no improvement.
The bottom line?
The authors concluded, “A task-oriented BFB treatment was effective.â€
They would like to see studies in more severely impaired patients.
1/8/10 22:00 JR
