Effects Of Biofeedback Training Research Articles

Modern ideas about the state of neurofunctional activity of the brain under the professional influence of physical and chemical factors

The article provides an overview of modern scientific approaches to assessing the state of neurofunctional activity of the brain under the professional influence of physical and chemical factors is presented, carried out using bibliographic databases Scopus, MedLine, Web of Science, PubMed, The Cochrane Library, RSCI, Cyberleninka, Google Academy, Index Copernicus, SJR, Science Direct, Arxiv.Org. The work reflects the results of research by domestic and foreign scientists stating the fact of violations of neurobioelectric activity, cerebral hemodynamics, afferent conductive structures, cytokine and neuropsychological status in patients with vibration disease, sensorineural hearing loss, chronic mercury intoxication. There are prospects for using neuroenergic mapping with registration of the level of constant potential. The effects of biofeedback training (biofeedback method) on the reference reaction in order to stabilize and activate the neurofunctional activity of the brain in the treatment of neurological patients are reflected. The analysis of literary sources allowed us to substantiate the need to use artificial intelligence technologies to automate processes as a highly sensitive and specific method of detecting occupational pathology. The presented data indicate the relevance of the problem of studying disorders of neurofunctional activity, the relationship between the nervous and immune systems under the influence of vibration, noise, metallic mercury to improve the criteria for diagnosing lesions of the central nervous system.

The effects of biofeedback training for efficient activation of infraspinatus on proprioception and EMG activity during shoulder external rotation.

The purpose of this study investigated which biofeedback (BF) training enables efficient activation of the infraspinatus muscle that affect joint position sense (JPS) and force sense (FS) of the shoulder joint. Twenty healthy males participated and performed three external rotation (ER) exercises under three randomly assigned training conditions: 1) non-biofeedback (NBF), 2) BF and 3) force biofeedback (FBF). Each exercise was performed at intervals of one week between training conditions. After performed the ER exercise under each training condition, the relative error (RE) was calculated at shoulder ER 45° and 80°, and then shoulder ER force were measured to determine the JPS error and FS error, respectively. Muscle activity of infraspinatus and posterior deltoid were measured and compared between training conditions. The RE of shoulder ER 45° and 80° were significantly lower under the FBF conditions than other training conditions (P<0.05). The RE of shoulder ER force were also significantly lower under the FBF conditions compared to those under the other training conditions (P<0.05). The activity of the infraspinatus muscle was significantly higher under the FBF conditions during all three ER exercises than other training conditions (p<0.05). We suggest that BF trainings can be useful to improve the proprioception of shoulder joint as well as activation of infraspinatus muscle while performing the ER exercises.

A Pilot Study of the Biofeedback Training to Reduce Salivary Cortisol Level and Improve Mental Health in Highly-Trained Female Athletes.

Biofeedback (BFB) training can provide a useful resource for athletes to cope with stress. However, the effects of BFB training on acute and chronic endocrine stress responses, parasympathetic activity, and mental health in competitive athletes have not been explored yet. This pilot study examined the effects of a 7-week BFB training on psychophysiological parameters in highly trained female athletes. Six highly trained female volleyball players (mean age: 17.50 ± 1.05 years) volunteered to participate in the study. Athletes individually attended 21-session heart rate variability (HRV)-BFB training consisting of six minutes for 7 weeks. A BFB device (Nexus 10) was used to measure the athletes' physiological responses reflecting HRV. To assess the cortisol awakening response (CAR), saliva samples were collected immediately after awakening and 15min, 30min, and 60min post-awakening. The Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 was filled out before and after the intervention to assess mental health. Furthermore, athletes provided saliva samples during eight sessions pre- and immediately post-session. Mid-day cortisol levels decreased significantly after the intervention. No significant change was observed in CAR and physiological responses after the intervention. A significant decrease in cortisol level was observed in BFB sessions in which cortisol level was assessed, except for two sessions. We concluded that short sessions of 7-week HRV-BFB training could be used as an effective method to control autonomic functions and stress of female athletes. Although the present study provides strong evidence for the psychophysiological well-being of athletes, further investigations with larger samples are needed.

Targeted training of the function of walking according to the stance and single support phase in patients in the early recovery period of cerebral stroke

Background: The phases of support and single support on a limb are significant basic parameters of walking (phase of support means the whole limb support time, while the phase of single support is when only one limb is on the ground). Both can be used as targets for biofeedback training.&#x0D; Aim: to investigate the effectiveness of both target parameters for training the function of walking with biofeedback in patients in the early recovery period of cerebral stroke.&#x0D; Methods: The study involved 40 patients, 20 in each group, who underwent a training course to harmonize walking: the first group for the period of support, and the second group for the period of single support. The control group of healthy people also consisted of 20 people. We studied the spatiotemporal parameters of walking at an arbitrary pace at the beginning and after the end of the training course, as well as classical clinical scales. The treadmill training consisted of 10 sessions.&#x0D; Results: The clinical and biomechanical parameters of walking changed their values in the direction of a significant improvement in the performance. At the same time, the biomechanical parameters of the second group indicated a more severe functional state before the start of the treatment, with the same clinical parameters according to the Barthel scale, Rivermead Mobility Index, modified Rankin scale, rehabilitation routing scale, and manual muscle testing. In the first group, indirect data were obtained on the possible effect of the target indicator on the training and direct data on its effect on the function of a healthy limb, which also allows increasing the load on the paretic one. In the second group, there were no reliable data on the effect of biofeedback training on the functional outcome.&#x0D; Conclusion: The conducted study showed that the classical clinical assessment of the patient's condition may not correspond to the instrumental functional study of walking. When using the support period as the training target parameter, indirect evidence was obtained that such a training is effective.

Innovative vision rehabilitation method for hemianopsia: Comparing pre- and post audio-luminous biofeedback training for ocular motility improving visual functions and quality of life.

Homonymous hemianopsia (HH) corresponds to vision loss in one hemi-field secondary to retro-chiasmal injury. Patients with HH experience difficulties in scanning and orientation in their environment. Near vision daily activities such as reading can also be impaired. There is an unmet need for standardized vision rehabilitation protocols for HH. We investigated the effectiveness of biofeedback training (BT), used for vision rehabilitation in patients with central vision loss, in individuals with HH. In this prospective pilot pre/post study, 12 participants, with HH consecutive to brain injury, performed 5 weekly BT sessions for 20 min each under supervision using the Macular Integrity Assessment microperimeter. BT consisted of relocation of the retinal locus 1-4° toward the blind hemi-field. Outcomes measured post-BT were paracentral retinal sensitivity, visual acuity (near vision), fixation stability, contrast sensitivity, reading speed, and visual functioning questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using Bayesian paired t-tests. Paracentral retinal sensitivity significantly increased by 2.7 ± 0.9 dB in the treated eye in 9/11 of the participants. Significant improvements with medium-to-large effect size were observed for fixation stability (8/12 participants), contrast sensitivity (6/12 participants) and near vision visual acuity (10/12 participants). Reading speed increased by 32.5 ± 32.4 words per minute in 10/11 participants. Quality of vision scores improved significantly with large effect size for visual ability, visual information and mobility. BT led to encouraging improvements in visual functions and functional vision in individuals with HH. Further confirmation with larger trials is required.

Prediction of the Ability to Develop the Relaxation Skill in Drivers of Locomotive Crews

The effectiveness of biofeedback training for the development of relaxation skills using the NeuroDog hardware-software complex is investigated. The relaxation skill is one of the conditions for maintaining the functional state of drivers and assistant drivers of locomotive crews at an optimal level during a working trip, and it is also one of the factors for a successful inter-trip rest. A multiple regression analysis has been carried out, which allows to predict the indicators characterizing the success of developing the relaxation skill, depending on the severity of psychophysiological and personal indicators of drivers and assistant drivers of locomotive crews. Two regression models have been constructed to explain the dependence of the indicators of developing the skill of achieving relaxation on the psychophysiological and personal characteristics of drivers and assistant drivers of locomotive crews. Models are characterized by sufficient quality. Quality indicators: of the first regression model – coefficient of determination R2 = 0.71 (with F(40, 65) = 4.06, p = 0.00000027), Durbin-Watson statistics d = 1.81, of the second regression model – R2 = 0.75 (with F(49, 56) = 3.51, p = 0.0000043), d = 2.09. To predict the indicators of developing the skill of achieving relaxation, regression equations were obtained depending on the severity of psychophysiological and personal indicators of locomotive crew drivers.

Effect of Biofeedback Training on the Recovery of Lower Limb Motor Dysfunction in Elderly Stroke Patients

Effect of Biofeedback Training on the Recovery of Lower Limb Motor Dysfunction in Elderly Stroke Patients

Comparative Study of Bio Feedback Training with Strengthening Exercises vs Strengthening Exercises in Osteoarthritis Knee Cases

Introduction: Osteoarthritis is a non-inflammatory degenerative disorder of joints causing disability in millions of people all over the world. WHO estimates that 10% of world’s population over 60 years of age suffers from osteoarthritis and 80% of people with osteoarthritis have limitation of movement and 25% are unable to do daily activities. Thus, making it a major cause of impairment &amp; disability in elderly and economic burden in community.&#x0D; The purpose of the study is to compare the effects of biofeedback training along with strengthening exercises vs strengthening exercises in knee osteoarthritis subjects to reduce the symptoms of pain, loss of ROM and functional activity.&#x0D; Methods: 50 subjects diagnosed of grade-I to early grade-II osteoarthritis recruited for the studyafter obtaining an Informed consent. Each group will comprise of 25 subjects with age group ranging 40-70 years. Group A will be given biofeedback training along with the strengthening exercises of knee, Group B will be given strengthening exercises exclusively. Both the groups will undergo training for 3 days per week for 6 weeks. Each session will be of 20-30 minutes.&#x0D; Results: Parameters include WOMAC score and joint ROM, both pre-test and post-test measures will be analyzed statistically using t-test to check the effectiveness of each technique. P-value WOMAC Score showed p&gt;0.0001 and shows significance in the biofeedback training subjects.&#x0D; Conclusion: In this study bio feedback training with the strengthening exercises shows significant improvement in quadriceps muscle strength, increase Range of Motion in knee joint and reduction in other symptoms of OA knee.

Influence of biofeedback training on beta rhythm of the brain on the level of anxiety and endogenous time estimation of athletes

To examine the effect of biofeedback training on the beta rhythm of the brain on the level of anxiety and the endogenous time estimation of athletes, depending on the nature of motor activity. 1020 young men aged 18-21 years old were studied. The biofeedback training on the beta rhythm of the brain was carried out with active wakefulness and open eyes, with a bipolar installation of electrodes in the Fz-Cz lead and a free electrode on the earlobe. The level of anxiety of athletes was identified with the Ch. Spielberger questionnaire [1]. The endogenous time estimation was carried out according to the «Individual minute» test (according to F. Halberg) [2]. The biofeedback training contributed to multidirectional changes in the studied psychophysiological indicators, depending on the nature of the motor activity of athletes. After the training, in the group of cyclic sports athletes, there was a decrease in anxiety, remaining in the range of values of a high level, which may reflect the processes of fatigue or under-recovery. Representatives of speed-strength sports had a decrease in anxiety with varying values in the range of a moderate level, which reflects the achievement of a generally comfortable psychophysiological state. In the group of athletes of single combat sports, accelerated perception of time was noted, accompanied by anxiety, fussiness, decreased attention span and increased stress. Athletes of team sports had a unidirectional tendency of increasing anxiety with a variation of values in the range of moderate stress levels, which may be associated with an adaptive transition to a new level of the body functioning after the training. The use of the biofeedback training on the beta rhythm of the brain in the practice of sports and rehabilitation medicine requires a thorough and detailed study of its effect on various parameters of the psychophysiological state of athletes. The development of methods for the differential application of the method, taking into account the polymetric characteristics of the initial state, type of sports activity and other factors, calls for special attention.

Researches on the effect of biofeedback training on cognitive processes and emotional states

Biofeedback method is a perspective approach in the behavioral psychiatry. It is widely used in clinical practice for correction of psychophysiological disorders, as well as for enhancement of cogni- tive abilities, productivity, stress tolerance, depression, etc. As this method is non-invasive and does not require medication, there is a relatively low risk of undesirable side effects in comparison with other means of treatment. In this paper the familiarization and applications of biofeedback are presented. A special accent is made in regard to literature review on the theme of enhancement of attention in health and correction of depressive state. According to the conducted studies, it was revealed that the main methods ap- proaches for attention improvement in health with the use of neurofeedback are trainings for increasing beta rhythms (12-18 Hz) and theta rhythms suppression (4-7 Hz), as well as SMR training (12-15 Hz). This article also provides a review of the literature on biofeedback devoted to the problem of the depres- sive state. Researches show that biofeedback trainings aimed in increasing alpha rhythms (8-12 Hz) and altering alpha asymmetries in the prefrontal regions of the brain show positive effect on the depression reduction. Key words: biofeedback, attention, depression.

Can biofeedback-based training alleviate fatigue and vigilance performance in fatigued MS patients?

ABSTRACT MS related fatigue might be related to autonomous nervous system (ANS) dysfunctions or to inflammation related vagal (hyper-) activation. Consequently, influencing ANS status may lead to relieve of fatigue. We used two opposite biofeedback interventions to either increase sympathetic (“self-alert training”, SAT) or parasympathetic activation (“progressive muscle relaxation”, PMR). We recorded fatigue status of patients before and after a challenging vigilance task, their behavioural performance on this task, their skin conductance response (SCR), and parameters indicating parasympathetic activity concerning heart rate variability (HRV). We repeated these recordings after the biofeedback training sessions. Patients of the SAT group were able to learn to increase their SCR voluntarily. Patients of the PMR group showed increasing parameters indicating parasympathetic modulation of the HRV. The vigilance task increased their feeling of fatigue. However, there was no effect of biofeedback training on either fatigue status or performance on the vigilance task. Our results show that MS patients can learn to change voluntarily their ANS activity using biofeedback instructions based on SCR and this can be used in future studies to test the postulated link between ANS and fatigue. However, in this experimental intervention we were unable to document a relation between ANS activity and fatigue. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03268187.

Effects of Biofeedback Training on Esophageal Peristalsis in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Patients with Dysphagia.

Esophageal manometry (EM) could serve as an objective method for the detection of esophageal peristalsis in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). In this group of patients, biofeedback training (BT) using the EM procedure is a promising method for the rehabilitation of swallowing function. A total of 20 ALS patients with clinical evidence of dysphagia and who met WFN criteria were recruited for this study. The standard transnasal EM with solid-state transducers was performed, and swallows with water and saliva were initiated in all subjects and repeated at 30-s intervals. The median upper esophageal contractile amplitude, duration, and velocity results during the wet and dry swallows were evaluated and compared in both the ALS and the control groups. In ALS patients, in contrast to the control, significant abnormalities in all EM parameters were recorded, which implies a specific pattern of esophageal peristalsis. Twelve months after BT, the body mass index (BMI) of ALS patients who underwent BT (ALSBT) was compared to the BMI of those who did not (ALS1)—compared to the ALS1 group, ALSBT patients showed a slightly smaller drop in BMI value. We presume that BT using EM can be a promising tool for the improvement of the swallowing mechanism in ALS patients.

The Effects of Biofeedback Training and Smartphone-Delivered Biofeedback Training on Resilience, Occupational Stress, and Depressive Symptoms among Abused Psychiatric Nurses.

Psychiatric ward (PW) nurses are at a higher risk to encounter workplace violence than are other healthcare providers, and many interventions have been developed to improve their mental health. We compared the effectiveness of biofeedback training (BT) and smartphone-delivered BT (SDBT) interventions on occupational stress, depressive symptoms, resilience, heart rate variability, and respiration rate in a sample of abused PW nurses. This was a quasi-experimental study. Structured questionnaires were administered before and six weeks after the intervention. Data were collected from April 2017 to October 2017. A total of 159 abused PW nurses were randomly assigned to BT, SDBT, and control groups, and 135 of them completed all processes of our protocol, with the study consisting of 119 females (88.1%) and 16 males (11.9%) and their age range being from 22 to 59 with the mean age of 35.61 and a standard deviation of 8.16. Compared to the controls, both the BT and the SDBT intervention groups experienced significant improvements in depressive symptoms, resilience, and respiration rate; and the SDBT group experienced significant reductions in occupational stress. Considering the cost, accessibility, restrictions time and space, SDBT be used as an effective intervention in people with resilience or occupational stress.

Effect of personalized nursing intervention on biofeedback therapy of children with functional constipation

Objective To explore the effect of nursing intervention on the biofeedback effect of functional constipation in children. Methods A total of 112 children (4-16 years old) who were diagnosed with functional constipation in the Department of Pediatric Surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University were randomly divided into the experimental group (54 cases) and the control group (53 cases). Children in the experimental group were treated with biofeedback training and personalized nursing intervention for functional constipation in children. The control group used biofeedback combined with traditional nursing intervention to treat functional constipation in children. The WHO-5 (World Health Organization′s five physical and mental health) scales were used to compare the effects of the two groups and were followed up for 3-6 months. Results A total of 107 children completed the study, 54 in the experimental group and 53 in the control group. There were no significant differences in the scores of the WHO-5 scale and clinical symptoms between the two groups before the intervention (P>0.05). After intervention, the total score of WHO-5 in the experimental group was (21.69± 2.28), the total score of clinical symptoms was (6.56±1.16), the total score of WHO-5 in the control group was (17.85±3.189), and the total score of clinical symptoms was (9.04±2.121). The difference was significant (t=-7.146, t=7.491, P<0.01). Conclusion Personalized nursing intervention can enhance the effect of biofeedback training on children and adolescents with functional constipation and improve their quality of life. Key words: Nursing intervention; Functional constipation in children; Biofeedback

The effect of biofeedback training on intestinal function among patients with middle and low rectal cancer: a randomized controlled study

To evaluate the effect of biofeedback on intestinal function among patients with middle and low rectal cancer. Using a randomized controlled trial design, 109 patients with middle and low rectal cancer indicated to have preoperative radiochemotherapy, anterior resection of the rectum, and preventive stoma were randomly divided into three groups: the blank control group, the pelvic floor muscle exercise group, and the biofeedback training group. A 16-month intervention and longitudinal follow-up study was conducted, and a questionnaire on intestinal function by the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) was adopted into a Chinese version to evaluate patients' intestinal function situation. The intestinal function of the biofeedback training group was better than the blank control group and pelvic floor muscle exercise group. The total score of intestinal function and the scores of each dimension were statistically significant (P<0.05). Biofeedback training could significantly improve the intestinal function of patients with middle and low rectal cancer, promote its recovery, and is thus worthy of clinical application.

Effect of biofeedback training on bowel function among patients undergoing rectal cancer anus preserving operation

Objective To evaluate the effect of biofeedback on bowel function among rectal cancer patients with chemoradiotherapy and temporary enterostomy. Methods This study was designed as a randomized controlled trial. The patients with low and middle rectal cancer in a Cancer Hospital of Guangzhou from June 2015 to December 2016 were randomly divided into pelvic floor muscle exercise group (control group, n=36) and biofeedback training group (intervention group, n=35) . The intestinal function questionnaire of the Chinese version of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) was used to longitudinally track and compare the intestinal function of the two groups for 16 months and 5 times in total. Results The total score of MSKCC, frequency and urgency of defecation and defecation sensory disturbance in intervention group were higher than those in control group at 4 days and 3 months after stoma inclusion operation, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05) . Conclusions Biofeedback training can improve the intestinal function of patients with middle and low rectal cancer, promote their recovery, and prevent intestinal and anal dysfunction of patients with middle and low rectal cancer. Key words: Rectal neoplasms; Biofeedback; Pelvic floor muscle exercise; Anus preserving operation; Intestinal function

Intervention effect of biofeedback combined with pelvic floor muscle exercise on low anterior resection syndrome in patients with low anus-preserving rectal cancer

Objective: To explore the effect of biofeedback training combined with pelvic floor muscle exercise on the recovery of anorectal function in patients with middle and low rectal cancer undergoing sphincter-preserving surgery, and to find the best way to prevent low anterior resection syndrome. Methods: A single-center prospective randomized controlled study was conducted. One hundred and nine patients with mid-low rectal cancer in Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Centre from June 2015 to December 2016 were enrolled in the study, who were going to undergo sphincter-preserving surgery or preventive ostomy after preoperative chemoradiotherapy. They were divided into three groups: blank control group, pelvic floor muscle exercise group and biofeedback training combined with pelvic floor muscle exercise group. Intervention and follow-up were conducted for 16 months. High-resolution anorectal manometry was used to measure the objective anorectal pressure and sensory index of patients, and the Chinese version of MSKCC Intestinal Function Questionnaire was used to evaluate the intestinal function of patients. The differences of objective anorectal manometry index and subjective intestinal function between the three groups were compared, and the occurrence of low anterior rectal resection syndrome was evaluated. Results: At the end of the intervention, the total scores of anal resting pressure, rectal resting pressure, anal maximum systolic pressure, anal maximum systolic time, initial rectal volume, rectal fecal sensory capacity, rectal maximum tolerance capacity, rectal compliance, anorectal hypertensive zone and total score of intestinal function in the biofeedback training combined with pelvic floor muscle exercise group were (44.83±9.01) mmHg, (4.31±1.75) mmHg, (130.46±10.00) mmHg, (19.94±4.30) s, (32.71±5.00) ml, (74.26±8.30) ml, (188.4±12.68) ml, (5.69±1.18) ml/kPa, (3.31±0.96) cm and (68.09±6.38) points respectively. The main effects of the changes of five indices, including anal resting pressure, rectal resting pressure, anal maximum systolic pressure, anal maximum systolic time and anal high pressure zone, were time. Significant differences were found in initial rectal capacity, sensory capacity of rectal defecation, maximum tolerance capacity of rectum, rectal compliance and total score of intestinal function in every time point of measurement in the biofeedback training group combined with pelvic floor muscle exercise group. They were significantly higher than those in the blank control group (P<0.05); the score of the biofeedback training group combined with pelvic floor muscle exercise group at one month after operation, perioperative period and 3 months after operation were significantly higher than those in pelvic floor muscle exercise group (P<0.05). Biofeedback training combined with pelvic floor muscle exercise reduced the incidence of low anterior resection syndrome of rectum (P<0.05). Conclusion: Biofeedback training combined with pelvic floor muscle exercise can significantly improve the sensory indicators of patients with mid-low rectal cancer, promote the recovery of intestinal function, and alleviate low anterior resection syndrome of rectal cancer patients, which is worthy of popularization and application.

Effects of Biofeedback Training with Shaker Exercise on the Suprahyoid muscle Activity of Stroke with Swallowing Disorder

Effects of Biofeedback Training with Shaker Exercise on the Suprahyoid muscle Activity of Stroke with Swallowing Disorder

Exploring the Neuroplastic Effects of Biofeedback Training on Smokers.

Smoking and stress cooccur in different stages of a nicotine addiction cycle, affecting brain function and showing additive impact on different physiological responses. Resting-state functional connectivity has shown potential in identifying these alterations. Nicotine addiction has been associated with detrimental effects on functional integrity of the central nervous system, including the organization of resting-state networks. Prolonged stress may result in enhanced activation of the default mode network (DMN). Considering that biofeedback has shown promise in alleviating physiological manifestations of stress, we aimed to explore the possible neuroplastic effects of biofeedback training on smokers. Clinical, behavioral, and neurophysiological (resting-state EEG) data were collected from twenty-seven subjects before and after five sessions of skin temperature training. DMN functional cortical connectivity was investigated. While clinical status remained unaltered, the degree of nicotine dependence and psychiatric symptoms were significantly improved. Significant changes in DMN organization and network properties were not observed, except for a significant increase of information flow from the right ventrolateral prefrontal cortex and right temporal pole cortex towards other DMN components. Biofeedback aiming at stress alleviation in smokers could play a protective role against maladaptive plasticity of connectivity. Multiple sessions, individualized interventions and more suitable methods to promote brain plasticity, such as neurofeedback training, should be considered.

Effects of real-time gait biofeedback on paretic propulsion and gait biomechanics in individuals post-stroke

ObjectivesGait training interventions that target paretic propulsion induce improvements in walking speed and function in individuals post-stroke. Previously, we demonstrated that able-bodied individuals increase propulsion unilaterally when provided real-time biofeedback targeting anterior ground reaction forces (AGRF). The purpose of this study was to, for the first time, investigate short-term effects of real-time AGRF gait biofeedback training on post-stroke gait.MethodsNine individuals with post-stroke hemiparesis (6 females, age = 54 ± 12.4 years 39.2 ± 24.4 months post-stroke) completed three 6-minute training bouts on an instrumented treadmill. During training, visual and auditory biofeedback were provided to increase paretic AGRF during terminal stance. Gait biomechanics were evaluated before training, and during retention tests conducted 2, 15, and 30 minutes post-training. Primary dependent variables were paretic and non-paretic peak AGRF; secondary variables included paretic and non-paretic peak trailing limb angle, plantarflexor moment, and step length. In addition to evaluating the effects of biofeedback training on these dependent variables, we compared effects of a 6-minute biofeedback training bout to a non-biofeedback control condition.ResultsCompared to pre-training, significantly greater paretic peak AGRFs were generated during the 2, 15, and 30-minute retention tests conducted after the 18-minute biofeedback training session. Biofeedback training induced no significant effects on the non-paretic leg. Comparison of a 6-minute biofeedback training bout with a speed-matched control bout without biofeedback demonstrated a main effect for training type, with greater peak AGRF generation during biofeedback.DiscussionOur results suggest that AGRF biofeedback may be a feasible and promising gait training strategy to target propulsive deficits in individuals post-stroke.