Influences of the biofeedback content on robotic post-stroke gait rehabilitation: electromyographic vs joint torque biofeedback.
Federica Tamburella, Juan C Moreno, Diana Sofía Herrera Valenzuela and 6 others
PMID 31337400WHAT IT FOUND
No significant between-group difference emerged between EMG and joint-torque Lokomat biofeedback added to conventional rehab.
EMG had within-group spasticity and pain reductions; joint torque showed only knee spasticity reduction.
Key findings
01The two biofeedback conditions did not differ significantly in clinical or instrumental outcomes after Lokomat training.
02Within the EMG biofeedback condition, spasticity decreased significantly at hip, knee and ankle; within the joint-torque condition, only knee spasticity decreased significantly.
03All patients received conventional rehabilitation and Lokomat training, so the contribution of any single component cannot be separated.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTs
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What it does not show
Only 10 of the 12 enrolled patients completed the protocol, so the findings come from a very small pilot sample. All patients received conventional rehabilitation plus Lokomat training, so the contribution of any single component cannot be separated. Between-group comparisons did not reach significance for any clinical or instrumental assessment. Robot force analyses were possible in only 5 patients with complete data. Outcomes were assessed only at baseline and after 6 and 12 training sessions; the authors note future work needs longer treatment effects or follow-up.
Declared interests
The supplied text names the funder as ICT-2009 and does not state author conflicts of interest.
The easy way to misread this
Do not conclude that EMG biofeedback is superior to joint-torque biofeedback. The study found no significant between-group differences, and all patients also received conventional rehabilitation and Lokomat training, so the contribution of any single component cannot be separated.