A Comparison Between Biofeedback and Electrical Stimulation in Improving Hand Function in Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy Children

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 fellow of physical therapy, Sohag teaching Hospital, general organization of teaching hospitals and institutes, lecturer of physical therapy, pediatric department, faculty of physical therapy, May university,

2 Fellow of physical therapy Helwan University Hospital, a partial delegate as Lecturer of physical therapy, Basic Sciences Department, Faculty of physical therapy, Helwan National University, Egypt

3 Fellow of pediatric physical therapy, National heart institute Physical Therapy Department, National Heart Institute, General Organisation for Teaching Hospitals and Institutes

4 orthopedic physical therapy, department of orthopedic physical therapy, faculty of physical therapy, horus university.

5 Lecture of physical therapy department Sphinx University

Abstract

ABSTRACT
Background and purposes: Cerebral palsy is a neurological disorder that affects motor function and often results in limited hand and upper limb abilities. This study provided evidence on the comparative benefits of biofeedback and electrical stimulation for improving hand function in children with cerebral palsy.
Methods: Forty-five children, aged 6–8 years with mild to moderate spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy, were randomly assigned to three groups: biofeedback, electrical stimulation, and control. The control group received standard neurodevelopmental therapy and exercises. The biofeedback group additionally received auditory feedback during wrist extensor exercises. The electrical stimulation group received reciprocal stimulations of the wrist flexors and extensors along with standard therapy. Outcomes measured before and after the 3-month interventions included grasp and visual-motor integration assessed by the Peabody Developmental Motor Scales, Second Edition (PDMS-2), and wrist range of motion measured by manual goniometry.
Results: These showed significant differences between baseline and post-treatment evaluation for both the biofeedback and electrical stimulation groups, while non-significant differences were found for the control group in the body scale and wrist range of motion.
Conclusion: EMG biofeedback training and functional electrical stimulation as adjuvant modalities, along with conventional occupational therapy exercises, improve hand function in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy.

Keywords

Main Subjects