Effect of biofeedback on learning partial weight bearing

Ursula Nagl, BSc (Jg. 2012/2015)

Betreuerin: FH.Prof. Barbara Wondrasch, PT, PhD

• Akzeptiert als „oral presentation“ beim 1. GAMMA Kongress in Wien

Abstract

Introduction:

Partial unloading of the lower limb, known as partial weight bearing, is a common instruction for patients with surgery or injury of the lower limb to ensure optimal basic conditions for the healing of affected tissue. The problem is that most of them have troubles to adhere to the prescribed limit. Studies reveal that with the use of biofeedback during learning partial weight bearing it is easier for patients to comply with weight bearing limits.

Method:

Twenty healthy subjects were recruited for this study (7 men, 13 woman; mean+/- SD: years, 23,5 +/- 3,0 years; body weight, 68,9 +/- 11,6 kg;). Subjects were divided into two groups by a randomizer. The Intervention Group learned partial weight bearing of 30 % body weight by using an intelligent crutch system giving biofeedback. The Control Group learned the same partial weight bearing limit by using eight bathroom scales to walk over. For measuring the success a transfer test (climbing and descending stairs) was used.

Results:

The Control Group loaded their affected lower leg with a mean of 32,9 % (+/- 9,9 SD) body weight during the transfer test, whereas the Intervention Group loaded the leg with a mean of 47,4 % (+/- 8,4 SD) body weight.

Conclusion:

It was hard for subjects to exactly follow weight bearing restrictions after the 15 minute intervention. Subjects of the Control Group were significantly better though, which brings up contrary findings to other current studies.