Biofeedback versus physiotherapy in patients with partial weight-bearing

Am J Orthop (Belle Mead NJ). 2008 May;37(5):E92-6.

Abstract

Medical instructions for partial weight-bearing after lower limb surgery and fractures are commonly given. The techniques for instruction are mainly verbal cues. Our aim was to evaluate the efficiency of a new biofeedback device compared with traditional intervention for gait rehabilitation. After orthopedic surgery, 33 patients, randomly divided into a study group (n = 15) and a control group (n = 18), completed 10 days of a rehabilitation protocol. A significant difference (P<.05) was found between the groups. Study subjects were able to follow weight-bearing instructions better. We suggest that gait rehabilitation is more efficient when biofeedback is used to instruct patients regarding partial weight-bearing.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Acetabulum / surgery
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip / rehabilitation*
  • Biofeedback, Psychology*
  • Female
  • Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary / rehabilitation*
  • Gait
  • Hip Joint / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pain Measurement
  • Physical Therapy Modalities*
  • Postoperative Period
  • Tibia / surgery
  • Weight-Bearing