Effects of biofeedback treatment on gait in children with cerebral palsy

PURPOSE: We evaluated the effectiveness of biofeedback treatment on gait function in children with cerebral palsy. METHOD: Thirty-six children with spastic cerebral palsy and dynamic equinus deformity were included in the study. The biofeedback group consisted of 21 children who each received EMG biofeedback training plus conventional exercise programme. The control group consisted of 15 children who each received conventional exercise programme only. Active range of motion of the ankle joints, muscle tone of plantar flexors, and gait function of the children were evaluated and compared. RESULTS: The biofeedback group displayed statistically significant improvements regarding tonus of plantar flexor muscles and active ROM of ankle joints (p < 0.000 for all parameters). Gait function showed statistically significant progress in both of the groups, but the biofeedback group was superior to controls. CONCLUSIONS: Children with cerebral palsy and dynamic equinus deformities may benefit from biofeedback treatment for ambulation.