Effects of electromyographic biofeedback training on psychological and motor functioning in patients with spinal cord injury

Abstract

Objective To investigate the therapeutic effects of electromyography biofeedback (EMGBF) on motor and psychological function in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI).Methods Seventy SCI patients were randomly divided into research and control groups with 35 patients in each.In addition to conventional rehabilitation,the patients in the research group received EMGBF training while those in the control group were treated with medium frequency electrotherapy.To evaluate the patients' self confidence and motor function of their paralyzed limbs,Rosenberg's self-esteem scale (RSES) and American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) locomotor function scoring were performed before and six weeks after the interventions in both groups of patients.The changes of EMG of the quadriceps,hamstring and anterior tibial muscles of both groups in maximum contraction were also observed before and six weeks after the interventions.Results There were no significant differences in the RSES scores or ASIA locomotor function results between the groups before the interventions.ASIA locomotor function evaluation scores increased significantly in both groups after the interventions,with significantly better results in the research group.The RSES scores in the research group also improved significantly after the interventions,and RSES scoring and ASIA scoring were positively correlated in those patients.But no significant improvement in average RSES scores was found in the control group.The muscle contraction EMG amplitudes also increased significantly in patients of the research group after the interventions.Conclusions EMGBF training can enhance patients' self-confidence,which helps patients with SCI improve their motor functions. Key words: Spinal cord injury; Electromyographic biofeedback training; Rosenberg self-esteem scale; Medium frequency electrotherapy