Effect of EMG biofeedback training of gluteus maximus muscle on gait parameters in incomplete spinal cord injury

Abstract

A Pretest -Posttest Experimental Design. Patients with incomplete spinal cord injury (ISCI) retain or regain the ability to walk, but due to limitations in gait parameters, walking may not be the practical method of mobility in the community. Specific muscle training plays an important role in gait training. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of EMG Biofeedback training of gluteus maximus muscle on gait parameters in ISCI patients. Indian Spinal Injury Center, New Delhi, India. 30 incomplete spinal cord injured (ISCI) patients were included and randomly assigned to two groups. Group 1 received EMG Biofeedback (EMG BF), Traditional Rehabilitation and Gait Training. Group 2 received Traditional Rehabilitation and Gait Training. Gait parameters were measured prior to the intervention for all 30 ISCI patients. EMG Biofeedback was given specifically over gluteus maximus muscle along with traditional rehabilitation and gait training to Group 1 for 5 days/week for 4 weeks. Group 2 received traditional rehabilitation and gait training for 5 days/week for 4 weeks. The results were interpreted on the basis of: EMG amplitude, step length, walking velocity and cadence. Results showed significant difference between two groups for EMG amplitude (t = 6.06, p = 0.001), walking velocity (t = 2.12, p = 0.043), cadence (t = 1.96, p = 0.05). Step length did not show any significant difference (t = 0.66, p = 0.512). The study concluded that EMG BF when given specifically over gluteus maximus resulted in improvement of EMG amplitude and various gait parameters (walking velocity, cadence).