Effect of combination of pressure biofeedback therapy and Flexi-bar in sitting on chronic non-specific low back pain / 中国康复理论与实践

ObjectiveTo explore the immediate and short-term effects of pressure biofeedback therapy combined with Flexi-bar exercise in the sitting position on chronic non-specific low back pain (CNSLBP). MethodsFrom June to September, 2022, 27 CNSLBP students in Xuzhou Medical University and other universities around were randomly divided into pressure biofeedback unit (PBU) group (n = 9), Flexi-bar group (n = 9) and combined group (n = 9). On the basis of routine rehabilitation guidance, the PBU group accepted pressure biofeedback therapy, the Flexi-bar group accepted active vibration therapy, and the combined group accepted pressure biofeedback therapy and active vibration therapy, for three weeks. They were measured core stability with Stabilizer, lumbar joint repositioning error (LJRE) with iHandy, and bilateral transverse abdominis thickness and multifidus muscle cross-sectional area with ultrasonography; and assessed with Visual Analogue Scale for pain (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) before and after treatment; and the core stability were measured immediately after the first treatment. ResultsThe indexes of core stability improved after the first treatment (|t| > 3.000, P < 0.05) in all groups, and improved the most in the combined group (F > 10.909, P < 0.001). All the indexes improved after three weeks of treatment (|t| > 2.604, P < 0.05), except for LJRE in PBU group; and they were the best in the combined group (|F| > 4.061, P < 0.05), except LJRE was not significantly different from the Flexi-bar group (P > 0.05). ConclusionPressure biofeedback therapy combined with Flexi-bar exercise in the sitting position can more effectively improve core stability and core muscles, proprioception, and pain for patients with CNSLBP.

Effects of electromyography biofeedback therapy combined with oxiracetam on peripheral blood heme oxidase-1, soluble apoptotic molecules and cognitive function in patients with senile vascular dementia / 中国医师进修杂志

Objective:To explore the effect of electromyography biofeedback therapy combined with oxiracetam on peripheral blood heme oxidase-1 (HO-1), soluble apoptotic molecules and cognitive function in patients with senile vascular dementia (VaD).Methods:One hundred and fourteen elderly patients with VaD from May 2018 to May 2020 in Xingtai Third Hospital were selected and divided into two groups according to the random number table method, with 57 cases in each group. Both groups were given conventional treatment. On this basis, the control group was given oxiracetam, and the observation group was given electromyography biofeedback therapy combined with oxiracetam. The treatment effects after treated for 1 month was compared between the two groups. The levels of serum HO-1, soluble apoptotic molecules sFas, sFasL before and after treatment were compared between the two groups. Cognitive function evaluated by Wechsler Memory Scale (WMS), Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE). The scores of Chinese Stroke Scale (CSS), Ability of Daily Living (ADL) before and after treatment and adverse reactions were compared between the two groups.Results:After treated for 1 month, the total effective rate in the observation group was higher than that in the control group: 93.0%(53/57) vs. 77.2%(44/57), the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.05). After treated for 1 month, the level of serum HO-1 in the two groups was higher than that before treatment, and the level of serum HO-1 in the observation group was higher than that in the control group: (30.21 ± 4.05) μg/L vs. (24.19 ± 3.47) μg/L, the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.05). The levels of serum sFas and sFasL in two groups after treatment were lower than those before treatment, and the levels of serum sFas and sFasL in the observation group were lower than those the control group after treatment: (81.57 ± 16.23) ng/L vs. (118.49 ± 25.09) ng/L, (135.47 ± 24.41) ng/L vs. (200.71 ± 30.29) ng/L, the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05). After treated for 1 month, the CSS scores in the observation group was lower than the control group: (13.48 ± 2.15) scores vs. (17.22 ± 3.02) scores; the WMS, MMSE, and ADL scores in the observation group were higher than those in the control group: (97.75 ± 10.27) scores vs. (88.43 ± 9.16) scores, (23.82 ± 2.50) scores vs. (21.38 ± 2.19) scores, (60.16 ± 6.24) scores vs. (51.29 ± 5.52) scores, the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups ( P>0.05). Conclusions:Electromyography biofeedback therapy combined with oxiracetam has a significant effect in the treatment of elderly patients with VaD. It can significantly improve vascular endothelial function, regulate apoptosis factors, strengthen cognitive function, promote recovery of nerve function and daily living ability without increasing adverse reactions.

Research progress on psychotherapy for dental anxiety / 口腔疾病防治

@#Dental anxiety refers to the unique tension, worry and even fear of dental treatment, which may lead to patients refusing to receive treatment and missing the best time for treatment. With the development of bio-psycho-social medical models, psychotherapy has gradually become the optimal treatment for dental anxiety. This article reviewed the etiology, evaluation and psychotherapy of dental anxiety. Research has shown that uncomfortable dental treatment experience is the main cause of dental anxiety, which is commonly assessed using questionnaires in clinical practice. Psychotherapy for dental anxiety is a noninvasive, widely applicable treatment without side effects, mainly including improving the treatment environment and service attitude, behavior therapy, and cognitive therapy, which has been shown to effectively alleviate dental anxiety in patients. However, psychotherapy for dental anxiety is highly demanding for dentists, which hinders its promotion and application. At the same time, the psychotherapeutic mechanism of dental anxiety is not clear and remains to be further elucidated by large-scale and high-quality randomized controlled studies.

Treatment of Stroke Patients with Shoulder-wrist Syndrome by Acupoint Catgut Embedding and Surface Electromyogram Biofeedback Therapy / 针刺研究

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical effectiveness of acupoint catgut embedding and surface electromyogram biofeedback therapy (sEMGBF) in the treatment of stroke patients complicated with shoulder-hand syndrome (SHS). METHODS: A total of 90 stroke patients with SHS were randomly divided into acupoint catgut embedment (ACE), sEMGBF and ACE+sEMGBF (combined treatment) groups (n=30 cases/group). The catgut embedment was performed at Jianliao (LI 14), Jianyu (LI 15), Quchi (LI 11), Waiguan (TE 5) on the affected side, once every 3 weeks, twice altogether. The electromyographic biofeedback therapy (30-50 Hz, pulse duration 200 µs, 6 s-on and 10 s-off, appropriate strength) was applied to the skin area co-vering the deltoid muscle, flexor muscle of wrist and wrist extensor for 20 min, once per day, 5 times/week, for 6 weeks. The total effective rate was assessed by using Liao's and Zhu's methods (1996), the pain severity assessed using visual analogue scale (VAS), and Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA, 66-points) scale and the patients' activities of daily living function (ADL, 100-points) were also scored. RESULTS: Before treatment, the VAS, FMA and ADL points of the three groups were not significantly different (P>0.05). After the treatment, the total effective rate (93.33%), FMA and ADL scores of the combined treatment group were significantly higher than those of the ACE and sEMGBF groups (P0.05). The VAS score of the ACE group was markedly lower than that of the sEMGBF group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The combined administration of ACE and sEMGBF has a better therapeutic effect for stroke patients complicated with SHS relevant to simple ACE and simple sEMGBF therapy in improving the upper limb function, relieving pain, and enhancing the daily life quality.

Biofeedback therapy combined with diet to treating ODS (Anismus): 2 years outcome / Terapia por biofeedback combinada com dieta no tratamento da SDO (Anismus): desfecho de 2 anos

ABSTRACT Object: The advantages of biofeedback therapy along with diet in patients with constipation are among the issues discussed nowadays. The aim of this study was to evaluate 2 years outcome of biofeedback therapy along with diet in patients with obstructed defecation syndrome (ODS) (Anismus). Methodology: The focus of this prospective study is a group of 129 patients with ODS constipation, who were referred to two tertiary-care referral academic centers from 2013 to 2016. Patients received biofeedback therapy combined with appropriate diet in cases group and received diet in controls group. Good response was defined as a subject with at least 50 percent improvement from before to after biofeedback therapy on a Cleveland Clinic Florida Constipation Scoring System (CCF). Factors associated with better outcome were analyzed using SPSS 20 software. Results: Out of the 129 patients, 112 patients (86.8%) were female. The mean age of patients was 42.44 ± 15.05 years. The mean CCF score of the patients before and after biofeedback therapy was 12.41 ± 4.39 and 6.00 ± 3.28 respectively in case group (p-value < 0.001). In addition, the mean CCF score of the patients before and after diet therapy was 12.82 ± 4.85 and 9.43 ± 3.79 respectively in control group (p-value < 0.001). While CCF score in both case and control groups reduced significantly after therapy, the rate of this reduction was higher in case group (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Our findings suggest that biofeedback therapy combined with diet will improve patients outcome in ODS constipation. Prospective clinical trials with larger sample sizes are recommend allowing for causal correlations.

RESUMO Objetivo: As vantagens da terapia por biofeedback, juntamente com a dieta, em pacientes com constipação se situam entre os tópicos atualmente em discussão. O objetvo desse estudo foi avaliar os resultados, após 2 anos, da terapia por biofeedback associada à dieta em pacientes com síndrome da defecação obstruída (SDO) (Anismus). Metodologia: O enfoque desse estudo prospectivo é um grupo de 129 pacientes com constipação por SDO, encaminhados a dois centros acadêmicos de referência para atendimento terciário entre os anos de 2013 e 2016. Os pacientes receberam terapia por biofeedback em combinação com dieta apropriada no grupo de estudo (casos), e apenas dieta no grupo de controle. Boa resposta foi deinida como o paciente com pelo menos 50% de melhora desde antes até após a terapia por biofeedback, com o uso de um Sistema de Pontuação para Constipação do Centro Médico Cleveland Clinic Florida (CCF). Os fatores associados a melhor desfecho foram analisados com o uso do programa SPSS 20. Resultados: Dos 129 pacientes, 112 (86,8%) eram mulheres. A média de idade dos pacientes era de 4244 ± 15,05 years. O escore CCF médio dos pacientes antes e depois da terapia por biofeedback foi 12,41 ± 4,39 e 6,00 ± 3,28 respectivamente no grupo de casos (P < 0,001). Além disso, o escore CCF médio dos pacientes antes e depois da dietoterapia foi 12,82 ± 4,85 e 9,43 ± 3,79 respectivamente no grupo de controle (P < 0,001). Embora o escore CCF tanto no grupo de casos como no grupo de controle tenha apresentado redução significativa após a terapia, o grau dessa redução foi mais elevado no grupo de casos (P < 0,001). Conclusão: Nossos achados sugerem que a terapia por biofeedback em combinação com a dieta melhora o resultado para os pacientes apresentando constipação por SDO. Recomendamos a realização de estudos clínicos prospectivos com amostras mais expressivas, que permitam o estabelecimento de correlações causais.

Advances in sleep bruxism therapy / 口腔疾病防治

@#Sleep bruxism is a common disease clinically, which has serious impacts on human's masticatory system, endangers patient's physical and mental health. Because of the complicated and unclear pathogenesis, no recognized effective cure of sleep bruxism has been carried out. This review isabout the studies of sleep bruxism treatment in recent years, in order to provide the reference for clinical work.

Advances in the diagnosis and treatment of spastic pelvic floor syndrome / 中国综合临床

Objective Spastic pelvic floor syndrome (SPFS) is a common chronic functional constipation characterized by irregular defecation,low defecation frequency,difficult defecation,and discomfort and pain in the anus and perineum.The pathophysiologic mechanism of the disease has not yet been clearly understood,so there is no targeted treatment.At present,biofeedback therapy is an effective,safe and non-invasive method for the treatment of spastic pelvic floor syndrome,which is often combined with Chinese medicine and psychological intervention in clinical treatment.

Clinical Observation of Acupuncture plus Electromyographic Biofeedback Therapy for Cerebral Stroke Hemiplegia / 上海针灸杂志

Objective To observe the effect of acupuncture plus electromyographic biofeedback therapy (EMGBFT) on the nerve function, activities of daily life (ADL), biochemical indexes, and lower-limb function in cerebral stroke patients. Method Totally 102 cerebral stroke patients in recovery stage were recruited and allocated to an observation group and a control group by using the random number table, 51 cases in each group. The two groups were both given conventional treatment, based on which, the control group was given EMGBFT, while the observation group was given acupuncture plus EMGBFT. The treatment duration was 8 weeks in both groups. The changes of National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), ADL, endothelin 1 (ET-1), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), and Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) of the lower-limb motor function were compared. Result The NIHSS scores dropped and ADL scores increased significantly in the two groups after the intervention (P<0.05);after the intervention, the NIHSS score of the observation group was lower than that of the control group and the ADL score was higher than that of the control group (P<0.05);in the observation group, the plasma ET-1 level decreased significantly and CGRP level increased significantly after the intervention (P<0.05);after the treatment, the plasma ET-1 level in the observation group was lower than that in the control group and the CGRP level was higher than that in the control group (P<0.05);the FMA scores increased markedly in both groups after the intervention (P<0.05);the FMA score of the observation group was higher than that of the control group after the treatment (P<0.05). Conclusion Acupuncture plus EMGBFT can significantly improve the nerve function and ADL, promote the recovery of lower-limb function, down-regulate the ET-1 level, and up-regulate the CGRP level in cerebral stroke patients.

Observation on the Efficacy of Point Injection at Xialiao Point (BL 34) for Levator Ani Syndrome / 上海针灸杂志

Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of point injection at Xialiao point (BL 34) for levator ani syndrome. Methods A hundred levator ani syndrome patients were randomly allocated to a treatment group and a control group, 50 cases each. The treatment group received point injection at Xialiao point (BL 34) and the control group was intervened by biofeedback therapy. The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), component scores of the MOS 36-item Short-From Health Survey (SF-36), anal resting and squeeze pressures were recorded in the two groups before and after the treatment. The therapeutic effects and therapy costs were compared between the two groups.Results The VAS, component scores of SF-36, anal resting and squeeze pressures were significantly changed after intervention in the two groups (P<0.05). After treatment, the VAS, a part of the SF-36 score [physiological function (PF), body pain (BP), vitality (VT) and social function (SF) scores], anal resting and squeeze pressures in the treatment group were significantly different from that in the control group (P<0.05). The total efficacy rate was 88.0% in the treatment group versus 80.0% in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). The therapy costs in the treatment group were (327.31±13.42) RMB and (408.45±21.56) RMB in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.01).Conclusions Point injection at Xialiao point (BL 34) is an effective method for levator ani syndrome.

Anorectal Physiology: Test and Clinical Application

The physiology of the anorectal region is very complex, and it is only recently that detailed investigations have given us a better understanding of its function. The methods that are used for the evaluation of anorectal physiology include anorectal manometry, defecography, continence tests, electromyography of the anal sphincter and the pelvic floor, and nerve stimulation tests. These techniques furnish a clearer picture of the mechanisms of anorectal disease and demonstrate pathophysiologic abnormalities in patients with disorders of the anorectal region. Therefore, therapeutic recommendations for anorectal disease can be made best when the anatomy and the physiology of the anorectal region are understood.

Effect of Electrical Stimulation and Biofeedback Therapy for Constipated Patients with Impaired Rectal Sensation

PURPOSE: Biofeedback therapy is widely used for the management of constipation associated with pelvic outlet obstruction. Some patients have shown poor outcome after biofeedback alone. A subgroup of patients complains of absence of desire to defecate. The main pathophysiology of constipation may be impaired rectal sensation or compliance. This study evaluated the effect of electrical stimulation and biofeedback therapy (EST-BF) for this subgroup of constipated patients with impaired rectal sensation. METHODS: Of the 37 patients diagnosed with pelvic outlet obstruction by using cinedefecography, 9 patients (M:F=2:7, age=22~77 years, median=57 years) who had impaired rectal sensation (rectal desire threshold > or =100 ml) on anorectal manometry were selected. These patients were treated with EST-BF therapy 2~6 (median: 5) sessions, Kontinece, Multichannel system, HMT, Inc, Seoul, Korea). Treatment consisted of 20 minutes of variant-mode electrical stimulation and 20 minutes of EMG biofeedback therapy per week administered by a specialized colorectal surgeon. All patients were evaluated by using a standardized questionnaire and a threshold for rectal sensation based on balloon distention before and after treatment. RESULTS: At post EST-BF, six (67%) patients had experienced an improvement in symptoms, including five (56%) patients with complete symptom relief. Significant improvement in rectal sensation, especially the rectal defecation desire threshold (pre-EST-BF vs. post- EST-BF: 181.0+/-38.7 vs. 88.3+/-29.1) was achieved. CONCLUSIONS: EST- BF may be an effective option for use in the treatment of functional constipation with impaired rectal sensation.

Assessment of the Effectiveness of Biofeedback Therapyin Children with Pelvic Floor Dyssynergia / 대한소아소화기영양학회지

PURPOSE: Recently well-developed anorectal function tests have revealed that there is an obvious pelvic floor dyssynergia (PFD) pattern in pediatric patients with constipation, as well as in adult's. The use of biofeedback therapy (BT) has been widely implemented in adult PFD patients; however, this approach has only rarely been considered for pediatric PFD patients. Therefore, we assessed the effectiveness of BT in children with PFD. METHODS: We studied 70 children with PFD, who were referred to the department of pediatrics at the Asan Medical Center for the management of soiling or chronic constipation from September 2002 to February 2005. Diagnosis of PFD and assessment of the efficacy of BT for PFD treatment were carried out along with several ano-rectal function tests (cine-defecography, ano-rectal manometry, balloon expulsion test and intra-anal EMG); in addition, a questionnaire was administered. The BT based intra-anal EMG was performed. A follow-up telephone interview was performed more than 6 months later. RESULTS: Most of the symptoms and results of the ano-rectal function tests were statistically improved after BT. In comparisons between the BT and control groups (BT refusal group due to poor compliance), the symptoms were statistically improved at follow-up. Therefore, for the short- term improvement of symptoms, BT was better than conservative therapy alone. The negative feelings associated with ano-rectal function testing and BT were directly associated with failure or success of therapy. CONCLUSION: Pediatric patients with constipation or soiling that presented with an obvious PFD pattern showed that BT was a useful therapeutic tool for rapid improvement of symptoms.

Clinical characteristics of constipation associated with diabetes mellitus / 대한내과학회지

BACKGROUND: Constipation occurs frequently in diabetes mellitus (DM). However, there are few reports that investigated the characteristics of constipation associated with DM. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical features of constipation associated with DM. METHODS: Among constipated patients who visited Asan Medical Center from January 2000 to December 2004, 45 patients with DM (DM group) and 104 patients without DM (non-DM group) were included in this study. We reviewed the clinical presentation, results of anorectal manometry, colon transit time study, and defecogram. We also analyzed the response to biofeedback therapy. RESULTS: The severity of constipation symptoms before treatment was not different between DM and non-DM group. Patients with colon transit time over 56 hours were more frequent in DM group than in non-DM group (21/45, 46.7% vs. 31/104, 29.8% ; p=0.047). Among DM group, colon transit time and the duration of DM showed positive correlation (r=0.431, p=0.003). The resting anal sphincter pressure was significantly lower in DM group than in non-DM group (43.5+/-21.5 mmHg vs. 51.7+/-22.6 mmHg ; p=0.048). The results of defecography were similar between DM and non-DM group. Successful responses to biofeedback therapy were not different between DM and non-DM group (19/34, 55.9% vs. 43/79, 54.4% ; p=0.887). CONCLUSIONS: Slow transit constipation was more frequent in DM group than in non-DM group. The successful responses to biofeedback therapy appear to be similar between DM and non-DM group.

Clinical Characteristics of Patients with Chronic Constipation after Radical Hysterectomy or Delivery / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: This study was aimed to analyze the clinical characteristics of patients who developed constipation after radical hysterectomy or delivery and to investigate the results of biofeedback therapy for these patients. METHODS: Thirty-five chronic constipation patients with radical hysterectomy (radical hysterectomy group), 27 chronic constipation patients with delivery (delivery group) and 27 constipation patients with no history of hysterectomy or delivery (control group) were included. Clinical characteristics of these patients, including the results of biofeedback therapy, were analyzed. RESULTS: The delivery group showed higher rates of pelvic floor dyssynergia than the control group (14/27, 52% vs. 6/27, 22%; p<0.05). The prevalence of slow transit constipation was lower in the radical hysterectomy group and delivery group than in the control group (7/35, 20% and 5/27, 19% vs. 12/27, 44%; p<0.05). The prevalence of anatomical abnormalities was not different between the groups. The radical hysterectomy group showed higher rate of obstructive sensation and the delivery group showed higher rate of hard stool and digital maneuvers. The biofeedback therapy was effective in 10 out of 12 patients (91%) among the radical hysterectomy and delivery group. CONCLUSIONS: Radical hysterectomy and delivery seem to induce functional constipation, which may be caused by anorectal dysfunction such as pelvic floor dyssynergia. The biofeedback treatment was effective in functional constipation after radical hysterectomy or delivery.

Biofeedback Therapy in Patients with Functional Evacuation Disorders

Biofeedback therapy has emerged as a useful adjunct for patients with functional evacuation disorders over the past decade. The goals of biofeedback retraining may vary and could depend on the underlying dysfunction. In patients with obstructive defecation, the goals are to relax the anal sphincter, improve rectoanal coordination, and improve sensory perception. Methods of biofeedback therapy varied widely between centers. However, no difference was described when EMG-based biofeedback was compared to manometry-based biofeedback, or when visual or auditory feedback was given. In regards to biofeedback adjuncts, including sensory retraining with either an intrarectal balloon, a portable home-training unit or both can be practicable. There are inconsistencies in the literature regarding the patient selection criteria for biofeedback treatment. The patient group is not homogeneous. Different case selection, different regimens and different methods of biofeedback may explain the variability in success rate. Quality research that would assist in predicting outcome is still lacking. Although no specific denominator could possibly be assigned to correctly predict the overall outcome of therapy, biofeedback is not successful in all patients with outlet obstructed constipation. Results with success rates is ranging from 8.3 percent to 100 percent. The treatment of constipation by biofeedback has been viewed with some skepticism as the low success rate may simply be a placebo effect. The majority of scepticism to therapeutic outcome are derived from entry criteria for treatment. Lower success rates have been described when entry criteria were broadened. Prebiofeedback clinical findings which are presupposed to prognostic relevance are age, gender, duration of symptoms and presence of rectal pain, lower motor neuron disease, and psychiatric problems. I feel strongly that informations about the predictive factors are vital to all physicians either performing or recommending biofeedback to their patients. If biofeedback could be undertaken according to specific criteria, we, colorectal surgeon will save a fruitless endeavour, one would expect more improvements in more patients. Additional well-designed controlled trials are needed to establish the clinical and physiologic factors.

Clinical Factors Associated with Response to Biofeedback Therapy for Patients with Chronic Constipation / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Biofeedback therapy has been widely used for the treatment of constipated patients. However, there are only a few reports about the clinical factors that can predict the effectiveness of biofeedback therapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate prognostic factors before the initiation of biofeedback treatment in constipated patients. METHODS: Biofeedback treatment was performed in 114 patients with constipation. After classifying the patients into two groups, responder and non-responder by subjective and objective parameters, univariate and multivariate analysis were performed to evaluate the factors associated with effectiveness of biofeedback therapy. RESULTS: Eighty-five patients (74.6%) responded to biofeedback therapy. Pre-treatment balloon expulsion test, paradoxical contraction on manometry, defecation index and anal residual pressure during straining were the factors that influenced the results of biofeedback treatment. On multivariate analysis, defecation index (odds ratio=67.5, p<0.05) and paradoxical contraction on manometry (odds ratio=0.053, p<0.05) were the factors that showed significant difference between the responders and non-responders. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that several pre-treatment prognostic factors are associated with response to biofeedback for the constipated patients. Using prognostic factors, we may be able to evaluate the patterns of pelvic floor dysfunction and responsiveness of biofeedback therapy for the patients with constipation.

Biofeedback Therapy in Patients with Nonrelaxing Puborectalis Syndrome: Are there differences of therapeutic effect according to methods of diagnosis?

PURPOSE: To evaluate therapeutic effect of biofeedback therapy according to methods of diagnosis in patients with norelaxing puborectalis syndrome. METHODS: From September, 1, 1998 to February, 30, 1999, the patients who were diagnosed with norelaxing puborectalis syndrome on anal electromyography (EMG) and/or cinedefecography (CD) underwent biofeedback therapy. The patients were divided into 3 groups according to the diagnostic method; CD group - only diagnosed on cinedefecography, EMG group - only diagnosed on anal electromyography, CD EMG group - diagnosed on both tests. RESULTS: Nineteen patients were diagnosed nonrelaxing puborectalis syndrome on CD and/or EMG. There were 14 females and 5 males with a mean age of 40.8+/-18.4 years. The patients were classified into CD group; five patients (26.3%); EMG group, eight patients (42.1%); CD EMG group, six patients (31.6%). The patients had 5.4 3.7 sessions of outpatient EMG-based biofeedback sessions. Subjective symptoms after biofeedback therapy improved in 4 (80.0%), 6 (75%), 5 (83%) patients in CD, EMG, CD EMG groups, respectively. There was a statistically significant increase in spontaneous bowel movements, and a reduction in assisted bowel movements after biofeedback therapy in patients in all three groups (p<0.05). However, no significant difference was found among the three groups. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that biofeedback therapy had a high therapeutic effect regardless to the diagnostic method. Therefore, biofeedbck therapy can be performed if one test results in the diagnosis of norelaxing puborectalis syndrome in patients with constipation.

Development and Clinical Application of the Biofeedback Anal Sphincter Control System for the Treatment of Patients with Functional Defecation Disorders Author Ung-Chae

Biofeedback is the treatment of choice for functional defecation disorders such as idiopathic chronic constipation and neurogenic fecal incontinence. The pre-existing biofeedback systems have many disadvantages. The aims of current project are, first, to develop the biofeedback system into the application software in the Windows environment, and, second, to assess the possibility of clinical usage for patients with functional defecation disorders. The hardware and software of the BASCO (Biofeedback Anal Sphincter Control) system were based on the signal measurement and signal processing of anal sphincter EMG (Electromyography). BASCO system was applied to 5 normal healthy controls and 20 patients with functional defecation disorders. Patients group was categorized as constipation group (N1=15) and incontinence group (N2=5). With use of current system, EMG-based biofeedback therapy was performed, and the outcome was analysed. Anal EMG signal data was processed by the software, and displayed in the monitor of personal computer. The software of EMG-display and database management were adequately operated. In N1 group, a paradoxical elevation or equalized activity of anal EMG pattern was shown in the simulated defecation. In N2 group, low electrical activity was shown. These findings were used for the EMG-based biofeedback therapy as a pilot study. The clinical symptoms were improved in 12 of N1 group and 3 of N2 group in the period of 3.7 (range, 1~12) months follow-up. In Conclusion, newly-developed BASCO system was adequately operated in the volunteer and patients groups. The multi-tasking and multi-processing functions were adequately shown in the real time. Current results could be used for clinical appraisal. Specifically, this system could be used for the practical application of biofeedback therapy in the patients with chronic constipation or fecal incontinence.