Effect of electromyographic biofeedback training on motor function of quadriceps femoris in patients with incomplete spinal cord injury: A randomized controlled trial
Affiliations: [a]
School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P.R. China | [b]
Department of Spinal and Neural Function Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center, Beijing, P.R. China | [c] Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing, P.R. China | [d]
Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, P.R. China | [e]
Chinese Institute of Rehabilitation Science, China Rehabilitation Research Center, Beijing, P.R. China
Correspondence:
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Address for correspondence: Dr. Liangjie Du, School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Capital Medical University; Department of Spinal and Neural Functional Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center; China Rehabilitation Science Institute; No. 10 Jiaomen North Road, Fengtai District, Beijing 100068, China. Tel.: +86 010 8756 9087; E-mail: duliangjie@mail.ccmu.edu.cn.
Abstract: BACKGROUND:Electromyographic biofeedback (EMG BF) training is an effective method of promoting motor learning and control in neurorehabilitation, but its effect on quadriceps femoris muscle in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) is unknown. OBJECTIVE:The aim of the study was to investigate the therapeutic effect of EMG BF training on motor function of quadriceps femoris in patients with incomplete SCI. METHODS:Thirty-three incomplete paraplegic patients with quadriceps femoris strength ranging grade 1 to grade 3 less than 6 months post-injury were enrolled. Control group (n = 16) received conventional physical therapy to enhance quadriceps femoris strength, while intervention group (n = 17) was treated with conventional physical therapy and EMG BF training. All received treatment once a day for 30 days. Surface electromyograph (sEMG), muscle strength and thigh circumference size were assessed to evaluate motor function of quadriceps femoris. Activities of daily living (ADL) was evaluated by Modified Barthel Index (MBI). All the measures evaluated three times in total. RESULTS:Compared to the control group, intervention group significantly improved on sEMG values and strength of quadriceps femoris (PsEMG < 0.001, Pstrength < 0.05). sEMG values of quadriceps femoris increased earlier than strength of quadriceps femoris in intervention group (Prest = 0.07, Pactive = 0.031). There were no statistical differences in thigh circumference size and ADL scores between groups (Pthigh > 0.05, PADL = 0.423). CONCLUSIONS:EMG BF training appeared to be a useful tool to enhance motor function of quadriceps femoris in patients with incomplete SCI. sEMG could quantify the changes of single muscle myodynamia precisely before visible or touchable changes occur.
