Biofeedback in strokes

Abstract

The effectiveness of biofeedback therapy, using the electromyograph, was compared with conventional physiotherapy treatments in eleven hemiparetic patients with severe disability of the upper limb. These were divided randomly into two groups, a group of six patients receiving biofeedback treatments and five receiving physiotherapy treatments with conventional techniques. The results showed greater improvements in the biofeedback group in most fields of testing, and the patients in this group had a greater degree of control over the patterns of movement in the upper limb and the relaxation of spastic muscle groups. It was concluded that a wide range of hemiparetic patients should benefit in some degree by treatment of this form.