Abstract
The purpose of this study was to objectively assess the effects of EMG biofeedback training in cerebral palsy. Bipolar silver/silver chloride surface electrodes were placed over the belly of the biceps brachii muscle. The signal was full wave rectified (IEMG), and was put into the microcomputer based biofeedback system. In case of need, co-contraction of the triceps brachii, deltoideus and trapezius were monitored on another channel. The client was 54-year-old man with cerebral palsy and accompanied cerebrovascular accident (CVA). Visual feedback of IEMG signal was indicated on the CRT display. If IEMG level was higher than target level, audio-feedback was also provided. Training conditions were as follows : 1 feedback trial, 2 nonfeedback trial, 3 rest trial. The client was instructed to decrease IEMG activity, and on condition of feedback trial or non-feedback trial, the client was asked to perform uttering task. During each training session, continuous data in acquisition was carried out to objectively assess the effects of therapy. Results indicate that electromyographic activity was reduced rapidly as the feedback trial proceeds. Additionally, the facilitating effect of feedback trial transferred to another trials. After training, the client learned to suppress phasic electromyographic activity evoked by emotional strain. It was shown that computer assisted biofeedback training system can more accurately assess the treatment effects in rehabilitation training.
