Does electromyographic biofeedback improve exercise effects in hemiplegic patients? A pilot randomized controlled trial.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to compare the efficacy of electromyographic biofeedback-assisted exercise versus sham biofeedback on clinical and functional outcomes in hemiplegic patients.
Results Summary
Both groups showed significant improvements in range of motion, muscle strength, Barthel Index, and 10-m walking time, suggesting exercise (with or without biofeedback) is effective for hemiplegic patients. The study could not conclusively determine additional benefits from biofeedback.
Population
Thirty-four hemiplegic patients (17 per group).
Effective Dosage
Exercise interventions and ambulation training 5 days a week.
Duration
2 weeks, with follow-ups at 1 and 3 months.
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
electromyographic biofeedback-assisted exercise programme | increase | range of motion | hemiplegic patients | - | significant improvements | #1 |
electromyographic biofeedback-assisted exercise programme | increase | muscle strength | hemiplegic patients | - | significant improvements | #2 |
electromyographic biofeedback-assisted exercise programme | increase | Barthel Index | hemiplegic patients | - | significant improvements | #3 |
electromyographic biofeedback-assisted exercise programme | increase | 10-m walking time | hemiplegic patients | - | significant improvements | #4 |
exercise with sham electromyographic biofeedback | increase | range of motion | hemiplegic patients | - | significant improvements | #5 |
exercise with sham electromyographic biofeedback | increase | muscle strength | hemiplegic patients | - | significant improvements | #6 |
exercise with sham electromyographic biofeedback | increase | Barthel Index | hemiplegic patients | - | significant improvements | #7 |
exercise with sham electromyographic biofeedback | increase | 10-m walking time | hemiplegic patients | - | significant improvements | #8 |
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this pilot randomized study was to assess the efficacy potential of an electromyo-graphic biofeedback-assisted exercise programme on clinical and functional outcomes of hemiplegic patients in comparison with sham electromyogra-phic biofeedback. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-four patients with hemiplegia were randomized into 2 groups. Both groups participated in an inpatient rehabilitation programme including exercise interventions and ambulation training 5 days a week for 2 weeks. Lower extremity exercises were performed via electromyogra-phic biofeedback in Group 1 (n = 17), while a sham technique was used for patients in Group 2 (n = 17). Range of motion, spasticity, muscle strength, func-tional level and walking speed were assessed before and after treatment. Follow-up was performed at 1 and 3 months after treatment. RESULTS: Significant improvements were found for range of motion, muscle strength, Barthel Index and 10-m walking time in both groups. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that exercise with or without electromyographic biofeedback is effective for improving clinical and functional parameters in hemiplegic patients. Larger studies are needed to determine whether electromyographic biofeedback-assisted exercises provide additional benefits.