Abstract
In order to investigate the residual tension of muscle in cerebral palsied (CP) children (adults) and the effect of EMG feedback on its relaxation processes, 5 normal children and 15 CP children, including one adult, were asked to flex their elbows gradually, then increase the tension with full flexion, and finally relax as quickly as possible under three conditions: pre-feedback, feedback, and post-feedback. Under the feedback condition, a meter display was provided. Results were as follows: (1) All except one in the CP group showed more residual tension than the normals at the pre-feedback condition. (2) Under the feedback condition, the time to relax was shortened significantly in the CP group. (3) The CPs could be classified into following four types by the influence of EMG feedback. (a) Type A (N=2) showed no change. (b) Type B (N=9) improved. (c) Type C (N=1) improved in the latter half of the feedback condition, though it increased tension in the first half. (d) Type D (N=2) increased conversely under the feedback condition.
