Article

Biofeedback training is widely used for rehabilitative intervention
in patients with central or peripheral nervous impairment to train correct
movement patterns; however, no biofeedback apparatus is currently available to
correct pinch force ratios for patients with sensory deficiencies. DESIGN: A
cross-sectional and longitudinal design was used in an observational measurement
study for establishing a prototype and to determine the effects of biofeedback
intervention, respectively. This study aimed to develop a computerized
evaluation and re-education biofeedback (CERB) prototype for application in
clinical settings. METHODS: A CERB prototype was developed integrating pinch
apparatus hardware, a biofeedback user-controlled interface, and a data
processing/analysis interface to detect momentary pinch performances in 79 people
with normal hand sensation. Nine patients with hand sensory impairments were
recruited to investigate the effects of training hand function with the CERB
prototype. RESULTS: Hand dominance, pinch pattern, and age significantly affected
the peak pinch force and force ratio for lifting a 480-g object with a steel
surface. In the case of the 79 volunteers with normal hand sensation, hand
dominance affected the time lag between peak pinch force and maximum load;
however, it was unaffected by pinch pattern or age. Training with the CERB
prototype produced significant improvements in force ratio and better performance
in the pin insertion subtests, although the results for both 2-point
discriminative and Semmes-Weinstein monofilament tests did not change
significantly. LIMITATIONS: The intervention findings are preliminary.
CONCLUSIONS: This study developed a conjunct system suited for evaluating and
restoring sensorimotor function for patients with impaired hand sensibility. The
results from the participants with normal hand sensation could serve as a
reference database for comparison with patients with nerve injuries.

Langue : ANGLAIS