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

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 (p0.05). 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.