EMG - Supported Biofeedback Training in a Person with Multiple Sclerosis - A Case Study

Abstract

Background: Until now, the etiology of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) has not been clarified. The symptoms vary from person to person and can affect motor, sensory, and cognitive body functions.Objectives: Next to pharmacological treatments, non-pharmacological therapy approaches become more and more important for maintaining physical, sensory, psychological and social functions in people with MS (pwMS). Furthermore, Biofeedback (BF) seems to be an interesting treatment option in order to improve motor functions such as postural stability, walking safety and walking speed in pwMS. Methods:In the present case study, an Electromyography-Biofeedback (EMG-BF) has been examined over 6 weeks in a 74-year old female with MS. Functional Gait Assessment (FGA) and 10-Meter-Walking-Test (10MWT) has been tested pre (t0), after three weeks, (t1) and after six weeks (t2) of treatment (2x/week). Results:The results showed an increase in walking speed after 3 and 6 weeks in 10MWT and a decrease of postural stability after 3 weeks. In contrast, postural stability increased after 6 weeks. The participant tolerated the EMG-BF training very well and she felt more secure in everyday life in relating to a better perception of her feet in the moment of foot contact while walking.Conclusions: EMG-BF training has been examined especially in order to improve the control of pelvic floor muscles in pwMS. Additionally, pwMS might benefit from BF training in regard to improve gait and postural control. More research is necessary to examine BF therapy options in order to support pwMS in their current motor impairments.Citation: Kersten S, Fuchs B, Liebherr M (2017) EMG -Supported Biofeedback Training in a Person with Multiple Sclerosis -A Case Study. J Neurol Stroke 7(7): 00268.