Treatment of the hemiplegic shoulder throught biofeedback: a case study

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Abstract

Motor learning requires feedback. When a person is acquiring a new skill, or modifying a previously acquired skill due to physical dysfunction, sensory feedback optimizes motor learning. Electromyography is a discipline that focuses on clinical and neurophysiological evaluation of neuromuscular pathology, and on certain aspects of CNS pathology (acquired or traumatic brain injury, etc.). Currently, use of biofeedback devices, amplifying the signal produced at the motor endplates, has allowed the introduction of this therapeutic tool to treatment of patients with acquired brain injury. Biofeedback can provide reinforcement of motor control improvements acquired through physiotherapy sessions, and help with development of specific sensorimotor skills, not only analytically, but also during occupational tasks. Availability of portable devices that are easy to use has allowed widespread application of biofeedback to functional improvement in activities of daily living.