Efeito do biofeedback no coping da equipe de enfermagem: ensaio clínico randomizado / Efecto del biofeedback en el coping del equipo de enfermería: ensayo clínico aleatorizado / Effect of biofeedback on nursing team coping: a randomized clinical trial

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar o efeito do Biofeedback cardiovascular sobre os níveis de coping dos profissionais da enfermagem de um hospital universitário, quando comparado com uma atividade informatizada sem automonitoramento. Métodos Ensaio clínico randomizado, com dois grupos, Biofeedback e placebo, realizado com 115 profissionais de enfermagem de um hospital universitário. Os grupos participaram de nove encontros por três semanas. O desfecho foi avaliado pelo Inventário de Respostas de Coping no Trabalho, versão brasileira, aplicado prévio a primeira sessão e imediatamente após a sessão final. A análise do desfecho foi feita pela ANCOVA , considerando α = 5%. Resultados A variação das Respostas de Enfrentamento apresentou efeito estatisticamente significativo, o grupo controle apresentou aumento de 0,17 pontos nesta variação quando comparado ao grupo intervenção ( h 2 = 0,07; p=0,004). A variação das Respostas de Evitação e do Nível Geral de Coping não evidenciou efeito estatisticamente significativo na interação grupo/tempo (respectivamente, p=0,471 e p=0,786). Conclusão A intervenção com Biofeedback cardiovascular demonstrou não ter efeito superior ao placebo na melhora dos níveis de coping .

Resumen Objetivo Evaluar el efecto del Biofeedback cardiovascular sobre los niveles de coping de los profesionales de enfermería de un hospital universitario, en comparación con una actividad informatizada sin automonitoreo. Métodos Ensayo clínico aleatorizado, con dos grupos, Biofeedback y placebo, realizado con 115 profesionales de enfermería de un hospital universitario. Los grupos participaron en nueve encuentros durante tres semanas. El desenlace fue evaluado por el Inventario de Respuestas de Coping en el Trabajo, versión brasileña, aplicado antes de la primera sesión e inmediatamente después de la sesión final. El análisis del desenlace se realizó por ANCOVA , considerando α = 5 %. Resultados La variación en las Respuestas de Afrontamiento presentó un efecto estadísticamente significativo. El grupo control presentó un aumento de 0,17 puntos en esta variación al compararlo con el grupo experimental ( h 2 = 0,07; p=0,004). La variación de las Respuestas de Evitación y del Nivel General de Coping no evidenció un efecto estadísticamente significativo en la interacción grupo/tiempo (respectivamente, p=0,471 y p=0,786). Conclusión La intervención con Biofeedback cardiovascular demostró que no tiene efecto superior al del placebo en la mejora en los niveles de coping .Registro do Clinical Trial: NCT04446689

Abstract Objective To assess the effect of cardiovascular biofeedback on coping levels of nursing professionals at a university hospital, when compared with a computerized activity without self-monitoring. Methods This is a randomized clinical trial, with two groups, biofeedback and placebo, carried out with 115 nursing professionals from a university hospital. The groups participated in nine meetings for three weeks. The outcome was assessed by Coping Responses Inventory, Brazilian version, applied prior to the first session and immediately after the final session. The outcome analysis was performed by ANCOVA, considering α = 5%. Results The Coping Responses variation had a statistically significant effect. The control group showed an increase of 0.17 points in this variation when compared to the intervention group (h 2 = 0.07; p=0.004). The Avoidance Responses variation and Overall Coping Level did not show a statistically significant effect on the group/time interaction (p=0.471 and p=0.786, respectively). Conclusion Intervention with cardiovascular biofeedback was shown to have no superior effect than placebo in improving coping levels.Clinical Trial Record: NCT04446689

Effectiveness of pelvic floor muscle biofeedback electrical stimulation combined with pelvic floor muscle training for mild to moderate postpartum stress urinary incontinence / 中华围产医学杂志

Objective:To analyze the effects of pelvic floor muscle biofeedback electrical stimulation (PEMS) combined with pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) and PFMT alone on mild to moderate stress urinary incontinence (SUI) after delivery.Methods:This retrospective study involved 1 087 postpartum women with mild or moderate SUI who were admitted to the Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University from January 2017 to January 2021. According to the treatment approaches, they were divided into two groups: the PMES+PFMT group ( n=504) and the PFMT group ( n=583). Chi-square test, independent sample t-test and rank sum test were used to compare the objective indicators (pelvic floor muscle strength test, vaginal dynamic pressure value test, 1-h pad test) and subjective indicators [incontinence impact questionnaire short form (IIQ-7), incontinence questionnaire-urinary incontinence short form (ICI-Q-SF), pelvic organ prolapse/urinary incontinence sexual function questionnaire (PISQ-12)] before, immediate and three months after treatment between the two groups. Results:There was no significant difference between the two groups in the values of vaginal dynamic pressure before treatment, 1-h pad test results and subjective indicators (all P>0.05). Comparison within groups: Indicators were improved in both groups immediate and three months after treatment compared with before treatment, including strength of type Ⅰ muscle [PMES+PFMT group: grade 4 and 5 (normal): 43.5% (219/504) and 42.1% (212/504) vs 1.2% (6/504), χ 2=864.27 and 861.46; PFMT group: grade 4 and 5:19.2% (112/583) and 20.1% (117/583) vs 1.5% (9/583), χ 2=1 148.26 and 1 038.29] and class Ⅱ muscle strength [PMES+PFMT group: 48.4% (244/504) and 50.8% (256/504) vs 4.8% (24/504), χ 2=862.96 and 819.24; PFMT group: 37.4% (218/583) and 38.9% (227/583) vs 5.0% (29/583), χ 2=1 029.47 and 998.54; all P < 0.05].Vaginal dynamic pressure increased [PMES+PFMT group: (89.3±5.4) and (82.2±4.6) vs (67.5±12.7) cmH 2O (1 cmH 2O=0.098 kPa), t=802.13 and 845.54; PFMT group:(80.2±4.3) and (78.6±4.5) vs (66.9±14.2) cmH 2O, t=288.37 and 244.94], and 1-hour urine leakage reduced [PMES+PFMT group: 2.0 g (2.0-3.0 g) and 2.0 g (1.0-3.0 g) vs 6.0 g (5.0-6.0 g), Z=825.39 and 802.13; PFMT group: 4.0 g (3.0-5.0 g) and 3.0 g (3.0-4.0 g) vs 5.0 g (4.0-6.0 g), Z=836.34 and 811.25], and IIQ-7 scores [PMES+PFMT group: scores of 3 (2-4) and 4 (3-4) vs 8 (7-9), Z=959.52 and 825.87; PFMT group: 5 (4-5) and 5 (4-6) vs 8 (7-10), Z=916.27 and 903.18], and ICI-Q-SF score [PMES+PFMT group: 3.5 (3-4) and 4 (3-5) vs 10 (9-12), Z=952.79 and 924.94; PFMT group: 6 (4-7) and 6 (5-7) vs 11 (10-12), Z=1 049.89 and 998.15], and PISQ-12 score [PMES+PFMT group: 10 (7-12) and 9 (7-12) vs 21 (17-24), Z=862.55 and 887.17; PFMT group: 13 (11-16) and 14 (12-16) vs 22 (18-25), Z=1 026.73 and 934.86, all P<0.05) decreased. Compared with the PFMT group, the above indexes were all better in the PMES+PFMT group (all P<0.05). Conclusion:PFMT alone or in combination with PMES can both enhance pelvic floor muscle strength, increase vaginal dynamic pressure, alleviate urine leakage and improve the quality of life and PMES+PFMT is better and more effective.

Early Activation of Quadriceps With Pressure Biofeedback for the Prevention of Arthrogenic Muscle Inhibition Following Lower Limb Orthopedic Surgeries: A Proof of Concept Clinical Trial.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to explore the possible role of pressure biofeedback in the early activation of quadriceps following lower limb orthopedic surgeries. Methods: This was a proof of concept clinical trial. A single-blinded randomized controlled study was conducted on 24 patients who underwent lower limb surgeries. The experimental group received standardized physiotherapy treatment in addition to pressure biofeedback for quadriceps retraining. The control group received a standardized physiotherapy treatment developed for an inpatient orthopedic setting. The motor unit action potential (MUAP) duration and amplitude were measured using electromyography on the second and sixth postoperative days. Results: Twenty-four participants, with a mean age for the control group of 58.67 ± 17.21 and the experimental group of 40.1 ± 6.96, were enrolled. No statistical significance in MUAP amplitude for within the groups (F[5,85] = 1.735, P = .135) was found. However, there was a statistical significance between the control and experimental groups in amplitude measured by electromyography (F[1,17] = 49.09, P < .01). There was no statistical significance in MUAP duration for within the groups (F[5,85] = 1.303, P = .270). However, there was a statistical significance in duration (F[1,17] = 71.84, P < .01). Conclusion: Pressure biofeedback was more effective in the early activation of quadriceps muscle when coupled with conventional exercises compared with conventional exercises alone following lower limb orthopedic surgeries. Early activation of quadriceps could be a contributing factor to preventing arthrogenic muscle inhibition.

Are static posturography-assisted biofeedback exercises effective in Parkinson's disease? / Os exercícios com biorretroalimentação assistidos por posturografia estática são eficazes na doença de Parkinson?

Abstract Background Parkinson disease (PD) is a progressive condition that causes disorders in movement and balance. Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of static posturography-assisted biofeedback exercises in PD-related balance disorder. Methods We screened 83 patients, 48 of whom were enrolled, and 41 completed the study. The sample was randomized into two groups, one submitted to static posturography-assisted biofeedback exercises and the other, to a conventional exercise program. The patients in the biofeedback group (n =20) performed biofeedback exercises in addition to conventional balance exercises. Those in the conventional exercise group (n = 21) performed classic balance exercises. Both groups were treated for 20 minutes per session 3 times a week for 6 weeks. The patients were evaluated using the Hoehn and Yahr Scale, the Movement Disorder Society-Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS), the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), the Tinetti Gait and Balance Assessment (TGBA), the Timed Up and GoTest (TUG), the Tandem Stance Test (TST), a Turkish version of the Stanford Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) before and at the end of the treatment. Results No statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of the MDS-UPDRS, BBS, TGBA, TST, TUG, HAQ, or BDI measurements before and after the treatment (p > 0.05). Conclusions Improved balance parameters were observed following balance training in the patients with PD, although static posturography-assisted biofeedback exercises appeared to provide no additional benefit. However, larger, randomized controlled trials are needed to investigate their effectiveness.

Resumo Antecedentes A doença de Parkinson (DP) é uma doença degenerativa que causa alterações no movimento e no equilíbrio. Objetivo Avaliar a eficácia dos exercícios com biorretroalimentação assistidos por posturografia estática na alterações do equilíbrio derivadas da DP. Métodos Selecionamos 83 pacientes, 48 dos quais foram incluídos, e 41 completaram o estudo. A amostra foi randomizada e dividida em dois grupos, um submetido a exercícios com biorretroalimentação assistidos por posturografia estática, e outro submetido a um programa de exercícios convencional. Os pacientes do grupo de biorretroalimentação (n = 20) fizeram exercícios com biorretroalimentação e exercícios convencionais de equilíbrio. E o grupo dos exercícios convencionais (n = 21), fez exercícios clássicos de equilíbrio. Ambos os grupos receberam tratamento durante 20 minutos por sessão, 3 vezes por semana, por 6 semanas. Os pacientes foram avaliados antes e depois do tratamento pela Escala de Hoehn e Yahr, Escala Unificada de Avaliação da Doença de Parkinson (EUADP) da Movement Disorder Society (MDS), a Escala de Equilíbrio Berg (EEB), Avaliação de Equilíbrio e Marcha Tinetti (AEMT), oTeste Timed Up and Go (TUG), o Teste de Apoio Tandem (TAT), a versão em turco do Questionário de Avaliação de Saúde (QAS) de Stanford, e o Inventário de Depressão de Beck (IDB). Resultados Não se observaram diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre os dois grupos quanto às mediçõesdo EUADP, EEB, AEMT, TAT, TUG, QAS ou IDB realizadas antes e depois do tratamento (p > 0.05). Conclusões Verificou-se uma melhoria dos parâmetros de equilíbrio após os exercícios de equilíbrio nos pacientes com DP, apesar de não ter sido detectado sem nenhum benefício adicional aparente dos exercícios com retroalimentação assistidos por posturografia estática. Contudo, é necessário efetuar ensaios maiores, randomizados e controlados para estudar a sua eficácia.

Effect of Biofeedback Corrective Exercise on Reaction Time and Central Somatosensory Conduction Time in Patients With Forward Head Posture and Radiculopathy: A Randomized Controlled Study.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of 8 weeks of biofeedback on reaction time and central somatosensory conduction time in patients with forward head posture and cervical radiculopathy. Methods: We performed a double-blinded randomized controlled trial. Seventy patients with forward head posture and cervical radiculopathy were randomly distributed into study and control groups. The study group received biofeedback forward head posture corrective exercise for 8 weeks, while the control group did not receive any treatment. The main outcome measures were reaction time and central somatosensory conduction time. The secondary outcome measures were the craniovertebral angles, nerve conduction time at N13 and N20, referred arm pain, and neck disability index. Results: After 4 weeks, there were nonsignificant differences between both groups in reaction time and central somatosensory conduction time (P > .05); while there were significant differences between both groups in N13, N20, craniovertebral angle, referred arm pain, and neck disability index scores (P < .05). After 8 weeks, there were significant differences between both groups in all outcome measures (P < .05). Conclusion: In this study, participants receiving biofeedback forward head posture corrective exercise improved both reaction time and central somatosensory conduction time after 8 weeks when compared to a control, nontreatment group.

Neurofeedback therapy used to treat sleep bruxism in adult subjects: a scoping review protocol

ABSTRACT Purpose: to identify evidence regarding the treatment of sleep bruxism with neurofeedback, as well as gaps in such evidence, through mapping studies, and how treatment protocols were performed. Methods: the proposed review will be conducted in accordance with the JBI methodology for scope reviews. The search strategy will aim to locate published and unpublished studies. The main databases to search include MEDLINE, Embase, LILACS, PsycINFO, Web of Science and Scopus. Gray literature and relevant materials will be included. Two independent reviewers will select titles and abstracts for evaluation, according to the inclusion criteria for the review. The search results will be reported and presented in a PRISMA flowchart. Data will be extracted from materials included in the scoping review using a data extraction tool. The results found will be presented in an organized table with the variables, with data being presented through diagrams, narratives and tables. Conclusion: a narrative summary will be performed that will accompany the tabulated results and describe the relationship of these results with the objectives and questions of this scoping review, that may lead to encouraging further research on this topic, bringing a new clinical approach evidence to the management of sleep bruxism.

Visual outcomes of audio-luminous biofeedback training for a child with idiopathic nystagmus / Desfechos visuais de treinamento de biofeedback audioluminoso em criança com nistagmo idiopático

ABSTRACT Microperimetry biofeedback training is a vision rehabilitation method that involves the training of attention and oculomotor control, and the rehabilitation of poorly located and non-functional preferred retinal loci. It can significantly improve distance and near visual acuity in age-related macular degeneration. Previous studies have shown that biofeedback training using electrical nystagmography can reduce nystagmus amplitude and increase foveation time. However, these improvements have not been sustained following training sessions. We hereby report a pediatric case of idiopathic nystagmus in an 11-year old patient treated with microperimetric biofeedback to improve visual acuity and fixation stability. The training had a beneficial impact, positively affecting fixation stability as well as distance and near reading vision. Subjectively, improvement in quality of life was also reported. Conversely to previous studies, the positive effects in this case were maintained for as long as twelve months following therapy. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case with long-term benefits to be reported in the literature.(AU)

RESUMO O treinamento de biofeedback por microperimetria é um método de reabilitação da visão que envolve treinamento de atenção, controle oculomotor e reabilitação do locus preferencial de fixação da retina. Esse treinamento pode melhorar significativamente a acuidade visual para longe e perto na degeneração macular relacionada à idade. Estudos anteriores mostraram que o treinamento de biofeedback usando a nistagmografia elétrica pode reduzir a amplitude do nistagmo e aumentar o período de foveação. Entretanto, os resultados não se mantiveram após o término das sessões. Aqui é relatado um caso de tratamento com biofeedback por microperimetria para melhorar a acuidade visual e a estabilidade de fixação em uma criança de 11 anos de idade. O treinamento teve impacto benéfico e afetou positivamente a estabilidade da fixação e a visão para longe, para perto e de leitura. Subjetivamente, foi relatada melhoria da qualidade de vida. Em contraste com estudos anteriores, os efeitos positivos foram mantidos até 12 meses após a terapia. Até onde sabemos, este é o primeiro caso na literatura que relata benefícios de longo prazo.(AU)

A new biofeedback approach for the control of awake bruxism and chronic migraine headache: utilization of an awake posterior interocclusal device / Uma nova abordagem via biofeedback para o controle do bruxismo de vigília e de enxaqueca crônica: utilização de um dispositivo interoclusal posterior em vigília

ABSTRACT Background: The relationship of bidirectional comorbidity between chronic migraine and pain in the cephalic segment led us to evaluate the improvement in reducing the pain in patients diagnosed with chronic migraine headache and awake bruxism, when undergoing treatment with a partial posterior interocclusal device designed for the management and control of awake bruxism through biofeedback. Methods: Seventy-four patients were evaluated during the following periods: pretreatment, seven, thirty, ninety, one hundred and eighty days, and one year. The evaluation was carried out by measuring the pain in the pretreatment period and pain reduction after awake bruxism treatment, using clinical evaluation and numerical scales for pain. Results: Most of the patients who complained of headache migraine pain, masticatory myofascial pain, temporomandibular joint and neck pain experienced a significant reduction in overall pain, including headaches, between t0 and t30 (p<0.0001). After 30 days of using the device, it was observed that the improvement remained at the same level without any recurrence of pain up to t90. At t180 and t360, it was observed that even with the device withdrawal (at t90) the improvement remained at the same level. Conclusion: The utilization of a posterior interocclusal device designed for the management and control of awake bruxism through biofeedback seems to contribute to the reduction of pain (including migraine headache) in the majority of patients, and, even with the device withdrawal (at t90), the improvement remained at the same level, suggesting the patients succeeded in controlling their awake bruxism and consequently the pains.

RESUMO Introdução: A relação de comorbidade bidirecional entre enxaqueca crônica e dor no segmento cefálico nos levou a avaliar a melhora na redução da dor em pacientes diagnosticados com cefaleia crônica de enxaqueca e bruxismo de vigília, quando submetidos a tratamento com dispositivo interoclusal posterior parcial projetado para o manejo e o controle do bruxismo acordado através de biorretroalimentação (biofeedback). Métodos: Setenta e quatro pacientes foram avaliados durante os seguintes períodos: pré-tratamento, sete, trinta, noventa e cento e oitenta dias, e um ano. A avaliação foi realizada por meio da avaliação da dor no período pré-tratamento e redução da dor após o tratamento do bruxismo de vigília, através de avaliação clínica e escalas numéricas de dor. Resultados: A maioria dos pacientes que se queixou de dor de cabeça com enxaqueca, dor miofascial mastigatória, articulação temporomandibular e dor no pescoço sofreu uma redução significativa na dor geral, incluindo dores de cabeça, entre t0 e t30 (p<0,0001). Após 30 dias de uso do dispositivo, observou-se que a melhora permaneceu no mesmo nível, sem recorrência da dor até t90. Em t180 e t360, observou-se que, mesmo com a retirada do dispositivo (em t90), a melhoria permaneceu no mesmo nível. Conclusão: A utilização de um dispositivo interoclusal posterior projetado para o controle do bruxismo de vigília através de biofeedback parece contribuir para a redução da dor (incluindo enxaqueca) na maioria dos pacientes, e, mesmo com a retirada do dispositivo (t90), a melhora manteve-se no mesmo nível, sugerindo que os pacientes conseguiram controlar o seu bruxismo de vigília e a dor associada a esse hábito.

Biofeedback-Assisted Resilience Training for Traumatic and Operational Stress: Preliminary Analysis of a Self-Delivered Digital Health Methodology.

BACKGROUND: Psychological resilience is critical to minimize the health effects of traumatic events. Trauma may induce a chronic state of hyperarousal, resulting in problems such as anxiety, insomnia, or posttraumatic stress disorder. Mind-body practices, such as relaxation breathing and mindfulness meditation, help to reduce arousal and may reduce the likelihood of such psychological distress. To better understand resilience-building practices, we are conducting the Biofeedback-Assisted Resilience Training (BART) study to evaluate whether the practice of slow, paced breathing with or without heart rate variability biofeedback can be effectively learned via a smartphone app to enhance psychological resilience. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to conduct a limited, interim review of user interactions and study data on use of the BART resilience training app and demonstrate analyses of real-time sensor-streaming data. METHODS: We developed the BART app to provide paced breathing resilience training, with or without heart rate variability biofeedback, via a self-managed 6-week protocol. The app receives streaming data from a Bluetooth-linked heart rate sensor and displays heart rate variability biofeedback to indicate movement between calmer and stressful states. To evaluate the app, a population of military personnel, veterans, and civilian first responders used the app for 6 weeks of resilience training. We analyzed app usage and heart rate variability measures during rest, cognitive stress, and paced breathing. Currently released for the BART research study, the BART app is being used to collect self-reported survey and heart rate sensor data for comparative evaluation of paced breathing relaxation training with and without heart rate variability biofeedback. RESULTS: To date, we have analyzed the results of 328 participants who began using the BART app for 6 weeks of stress relaxation training via a self-managed protocol. Of these, 207 (63.1%) followed the app-directed procedures and completed the training regimen. Our review of adherence to protocol and app-calculated heart rate variability measures indicated that the BART app acquired high-quality data for evaluating self-managed stress relaxation training programs. CONCLUSIONS: The BART app acquired high-quality data for studying changes in psychophysiological stress according to mind-body activity states, including conditions of rest, cognitive stress, and slow, paced breathing.

COMPLEX TREATMENT OF AMYOTROPHIC LATERAL SCLEROSIS PATIENT.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a progressive and fatal degenerative neuromuscular disease with few if any treatment options and physical rehabilitation addressing specific deficits is the most frequent form of therapy. Patients also suffer from depression and increased anxiety. Our purpose was to assess the neurorehabilitation effectiveness in a patient with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis who underwent stem cell transplantation but refused physiotherapy due to depression. Disease progression was followed using the revised Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale bimonthly for six months pre- and then post-stem cell transplantation. Psychological traits were assessed using six standardized tests. Quantitative electroencephalogram diagnostics was performed before the first and after the last neurofeedback session, and sessions were conducted on a 3-times-a-week basis. The physiotherapy protocol included proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, electrical modalities unit applied to the lumbar spine area, and breathing, relaxation and walking exercises, among others. Increased motivation and marked decrease in the pain level was associated with the patient's willingness to complete physiotherapy, which resulted in improvements in most neuromuscular deficits and in increased respiratory capacity. During the 12 post-rehabilitation months, progression of the disease decelerated, and a positive behavioral change was noted. The study suggested that neurofeedback could be used as a neurorehabilitation component of the personalized complex rehabilitation protocol in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Immediate Effects of Immersive Biofeedback on Gait in Children With Cerebral Palsy.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the immediate response to avatar-based biofeedback on 3 clinically important gait parameters: step length, knee extension, and ankle power in children with cerebral palsy (CP). DESIGN: Repeated measures design. SETTING: Rehabilitation clinic. PARTICIPANTS: Children with spastic paresis (N=22; 10.5±3.1y), able to walk without assistive devices. INTERVENTION: Children walked on a treadmill with a virtual reality environment. Following baseline gait analysis, they were challenged to improve aspects of gait. Children visualized themselves as an avatar, representing movement in real time. They underwent a series of 2-minute trials receiving avatar-based biofeedback on step length, knee extension, and ankle power. To investigate optimization of biofeedback visualization, additional trials in which knee extension was visualized as a simple bar with no avatar; and avatar alone with no specific biofeedback were carried out. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Gait pattern, as measured by joint angles, powers, and spatiotemporal parameters, were compared between baseline and biofeedback trials. RESULTS: Participants were able to adapt gait pattern with biofeedback, in an immediate response, reaching large increases in ankle power generation at push-off (37.7%) and clinically important improvements in knee extension (7.4o) and step length (12.7%). Biofeedback on one parameter had indirect influence on other aspects of gait. CONCLUSION: Children with CP show capacity in motor function to achieve improvements in clinically important aspects of gait. Visualizing biofeedback with an avatar was subjectively preferential compared to a simplified bar presentation of knee angle. Future studies are required to investigate if observed transient effects of biofeedback can be retained with prolonged training to test whether biofeedback-based gait training may be implemented as a therapy tool.

Is urotherapy alone as effective as a combination of urotherapy and biofeedback in children with dysfunctional voiding?

OBJECTIVE: To compare standard urotherapy with a combination of urotherapy and biofeedback sessions and to determine the changes that these therapies promote in children with dysfunctional voiding. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The data of 45 patients who participated in the study from January 2010 to March 2013 were evaluated. All patients underwent urinary system ultrasonography to determine post-void residual urine volumes and urinary system anomalies. All patients were diagnosed using uroflowmetry - electromyography (EMG). The flow pattern, maximum flow rate, and urethral sphincter activity were evaluated in all patients using uroflowmetry - EMG. Each patient underwent standard urotherapy, and the results were recorded. Subsequently, biofeedback sessions were added for all patients, and the changes in the results were recorded and statistically compared. RESULTS: A total of forty - five patients were included, of which 34 were female and 11 were male and the average age of the patients was 8.4 ± 2.44 years (range: 5 - 15 years). After the standard urotherapy plus biofeedback sessions, the post-void residual urine volumes, incontinence rates and infection rates of patients were significantly lower than those with the standard urotherapy (p < 0.05). A statistically significant improvement in voiding symptoms was observed after the addition of biofeedback sessions to the standard urotherapy compared with the standard urotherapy alone (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that a combination of urotherapy and biofeedback was more effective in decreasing urinary incontinence rates, infection rates and post - void residual urine volumes in children with dysfunctional voiding than standard urotherapy alone, and it also showed that this combination therapy corrected voiding patterns significantly and objectively.

Developing BrightHearts: A Pediatric Biofeedback-Mediated Relaxation App to Manage Procedural Pain and Anxiety.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to develop a child-friendly biofeedback-mediated relaxation device called BrightHearts. METHODS: Qualitative data were collected at a tertiary pediatric hospital to inform an iterative design process. Clinicians participated in expert group interviews to identify practical considerations that would facilitate the use of BrightHearts during procedures and provide feedback on prototype designs. Children 7 to 18 years of age participated in interactive exhibitions of the prototypes and were interviewed about their experiences using BrightHearts. RESULTS: Twenty-four clinicians participated in 6 group interviews. Thirty-nine children participated in interactive exhibitions, and 21 were interviewed. Clinicians placed high value on the following factors in the management of procedural pain: providing children with an element of control, the use of relaxation techniques, and the use of portable electronic devices such as iPads. They highlighted the need for BrightHearts to be cost effective, portable, and capable of engaging children's interest. They confirmed the utility of developing a biofeedback-assisted relaxation device for children. Based on the factors identified by clinicians, BrightHearts was developed as an iPad application (app) paired with a wireless heart rate monitor. The BrightHearts heart rate biofeedback app displays digital geometric artwork that responds to changes in heart rate. Children 7 to 17 years of age understood the concept of biofeedback and operated the app by slowing their heart rates. CONCLUSION: The BrightHearts app can be used to teach children biofeedback-assisted relaxation. Ongoing studies are evaluating its efficacy for the management of procedural pain in children.

Randomized Crossover Trial of Blood Volume Monitoring-Guided Ultrafiltration Biofeedback to Reduce Intradialytic Hypotensive Episodes with Hemodialysis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Intradialytic hypotension (IDH) is associated with morbidity. The effect of blood volume-guided ultrafiltration biofeedback, which automatically adjusts fluid removal rate on the basis of blood volume parameters, on the reduction of IDH was tested in a randomized crossover trial. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS: We performed a 22-week, single blind, randomized crossover trial in patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis who had >30% of sessions complicated by symptomatic IDH in five centers in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Participants underwent a 4-week run-in period to standardize dialysis prescription and dry weight on the basis of clinical examination. Those meeting inclusion criteria were randomized to best clinical practice hemodialysis (control) or best clinical practice plus blood volume-guided ultrafiltration biofeedback (intervention) for 8 weeks, followed by a 2-week washout and subsequent crossover for a second 8-week phase. The primary outcome was rate of symptomatic IDH. RESULTS: Thirty-five participants entered, 32 were randomized, and 26 completed the study. The rate of symptomatic IDH with biofeedback was 0.10/h (95% confidence interval, 0.06 to 0.14) and 0.07/h (95% confidence interval, 0.05 to 0.10) during control (P=0.29). There were no differences in the rate or proportion of sessions with asymptomatic IDH or symptoms alone. Results remained consistent when adjusted for randomization order and study week. There were no differences between intervention and control in the last study week in interdialytic weight gain (difference [SD], -0.02 [0.8] kg), brain natriuretic peptide (1460 [19,052] ng/L), cardiac troponins (3 [86] ng/L), extracellular water-to-intracellular water ratio (0.05 [0.33]), ultrafiltration rate (1.1 [7.0] ml/kg per hour), and dialysis recovery time (0.43 [19.25] hours). CONCLUSION: The use of blood volume monitoring-guided ultrafiltration biofeedback in patients prone to IDH did not reduce the rate of symptomatic IDH events.

Effects of adaptive biofeedback training on long-term efficacy and family maintenance treatment in patients with outlet obstruction constipation / 中华消化杂志

Objective To explore the effects of adaptive biofeedback training (ABF) on long-term efficacy and family maintenance treatment in patients with outlet obstruction constipation (OOC).Methods From October 2010 to April 2013,a total of 114 patients with OOC met Rome Ⅲ criteria were enrolled in this study.After six weeks ABF treatment,patients were divided into family maintenance treatment group and simple follow-up group.And then the scores of clinical constipation symptoms,weekly dosage of polyethylene glycol electrolyte powder,total clinical efficacy and satisfaction rate were recorded.T test and chi-square test were performed for statistical analysis.Results A total of 95 patients with OOC were enrolled in the follow-up study eventually,42 cases in family maintenance treatment group and 53 cases in simple follow-up group.After six weeks ABF treatment,the scores of clinical constipation symptoms and weekly dosage of polyethylene glycol electrolyte powder decreased in both two groups.At 36th month after six weeks ABF,in family maintenance treatment group,the score of clinical constipation symptoms and weekly dosage of polyethylene glycol electrolyte powder were 4.86 ±1.13 and (5.88 ± 1.14) packs,respectively,which were both lower than those before treatment (11.05 ±3.26 and (15.28±4.12) packs,respectively),and the differences were statistically significant (t =2.520,P =0.041;t =3.080,P=0.042).At 36th month after six weeks ABF,in simple follow-up group,the score of clinical constipation symptoms and weekly dosage of polyethylene glycol electrolyte powder were (7.12 ± 1.25) and (11.44±2.88) packs,compared with those before treatment (11.07 ± 2.86 and (15.77 ±3.78)packs),the difference was not statistically significant (both P＞0.05).At 36th month after six weeks ABF,in family maintenance treatment group,the total clinical efficacy and total satisfaction rates both were 71.4％ (30/42),compared with those at the end of treatment (88.1％ (37/42),83.3％ (35/42)),the difference was not statistically significant (both P＞0.05).In simple follow-up group,at 12th month after six weeks ABF,the total clinical efficacy and satisfaction rates were 69.8％ (37/53) and 66.0％ (35/53),compared with those at the end of treatment (88.7％ (47/53) and 84.9％ (45/53)),the difference was not statistically significant (both P＞0.05),at 24th months,the total clinical efficacy and satisfaction rates were 49.1％ (26/53) and 47.2％ (25/53),which were both lower than those at the end of treatment,and the differences were statistically significant (x2 =1.762,P=0.036;x2 =1.928,P=0.041).Conclusions The efficacy of ABF in the treatment of patients with OOC lasts less than two years.However,the family maintenance treatment can keep for three years,which may be an effective method to keep long-term efficacy in patients with OOC.

Development of a Wearable Cardiac Monitoring System for Behavioral Neurocardiac Training: A Usability Study.

BACKGROUND: Elevated blood pressure is one of the main risk factors for death globally. Behavioral neurocardiac training (BNT) is a complementary approach to blood pressure and stress management that is intended to exercise the autonomic reflexes, improve stress recovery, and lower blood pressure. BNT involves cognitive-behavioral therapy with a paced breathing technique and heart rate variability biofeedback. BNT is limited to in-clinic delivery and faces an accessibility barrier because of the need for clinical oversight and the use of complex monitoring tools. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this project was to design, develop, and evaluate a wearable electrocardiographic (ECG) sensor system for the delivery of BNT in a home setting. METHODS: The wearable sensor system, Beat, consists of an ECG sensor and a mobile app. It was developed iteratively using the principles of test-driven Agile development and user-centered design. A usability study was conducted at Toronto General Hospital to evaluate feasibility and user experience and identify areas of improvement. RESULTS: The Beat sensor was designed as a modular patch to be worn on the user's chest and uses standard ECG electrodes. It streams a single-lead ECG wirelessly to a mobile phone using Bluetooth Low Energy. The use of small, low-power electronics, a low device profile, and a tapered enclosure allowed for a device that can be unobtrusively worn under clothing. The sensor was designed to operate with a mobile app that guides users through the BNT exercises to train them to a slow-paced breathing technique for stress recovery. The BNT app uses the ECG captured by the sensor to provide heart rate variability biofeedback in the form of a real-time heart rate waveform to complement and reinforce the impact of the training. Usability testing (n=6) indicated that the overall response to the design and user experience of the system was perceived positively. All participants indicated that the system had a positive effect on stress management and that they would use it at home. Areas of improvement were identified, which focused primarily on the delivery of training and education on BNT through the app. CONCLUSIONS: The outcome of this project was a wearable sensor system to deliver BNT at home. The system has the potential to offer a complementary approach to blood pressure and stress management at home and reduce current accessibility barriers.

Impact of adaptive biofeedback training on clinical efficacy,psychological status and quality of life in patient with outlet obstruction constipation / 中华消化杂志

Objective To explore the effects of adaptive biofeedback training(ABF)on efficacy of clinical efficacy,psychological status and life quality in patients with outlet obstruction constipation (OOC).Methods From June 2011 to October 2014,a total of 206 patients with OOC were enrolled. They were divided into ABF group and fixed biofeedback training (FBF)group.The clinical symptoms integral,clinical efficacy,psychological status and quality of life were observed before and eight weeks after treatment.Chi-square test or t-test was performed for statistical analysis.Results A total of 138 cases completed biofeedback training and were divided into ABF group (n=76)and FBF group (n=62). Before treatment,the total scores of clinical constipation symptoms of ABF and FBF groups were 10.95 ± 2.86 and 11 .20±2.23,respectively,which were 2.02±1 .10 and 2.98±1 .19 after treatment.The total scores of both groups decreased after treatment (t =2.60,2.45 ;both P 0.05).After treatment,the integral of each dimension of Chinese version of the MOS 36-item short form healtly survey (SF-36 )in ABF group and FBF group were both higher than those before treatment,and the differences were statistically significant (all P 0.05 ).Conclusions Both ABF and FBF can effectively improve clinical symptoms,psychological health and the quality of life in patients with OOC.However, ABF seems to be more effective and superior and more advantages.

Evaluation of Efficacy of Biofeedback Therapy on Chronic Constipation / 胃肠病学

Chronic constipation(CC)is one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders. Treatment of CC includes drug and non-drug treatment. Biofeedback(BF)is a psychological behavior therapy and has become the first-line therapy of CC. However,the efficacy of BF reported varied substantially. This article reviewed the evaluation of efficacy of BF on CC.

Efficacy observation of pelvic floor muscle training combined with traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of mild-moderate pelvic organ prolapse / 中国医师杂志

Objective To explore the rehabilitation effect of pelvic floor muscle training combined with traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of mild-moderate pelvic organ prolapse.Methods A prospective ease-control study,choosing 103 patients of mild-moderate pelvic organ prolapse from October 2012 to May 2014 in Maternal and Child Health Hospital Outpatient of Hunan Province,which were randomly divided into study group (52 cases) and control group (51 cases).All of the patients underwent two courses of pelvic floor muscle training,including Kegel exercise,biofeedback,electrical stimulation therapy,the study group combined with traditional Chinese medicine (Buzhongyiqitang) at the same time.The efficacy was analyzed before and after treatment of pelvic floor muscle strength,myoelectric potential and indexing of pelvic organ prolapse quantification (POP-Q) changes.Results There werent statistically significant differences in type Ⅰ and Ⅲ muscle fiber muscle strength and myoelectric potential of two groups before treatment,while the shrinkage index improved significantly after treatment,and the study group was significantly higher with statistically significant difference (P ＜ 0.05).The effective rates of POP-Q indexing changes in two groups were 71.2％ and 56.9％,respectively.The effective rate of the study group was significantly higher than the control group(P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions The clinical efficacy of pelvic floor muscle training combined with Buzhongyiqitang in the treatment of mild-moderate pelvic organ prolapse was significant,and it had a good clinical value.

Postpartum pelvic floor rehabilitation on prevention of female pelvic floor dysfunction:a multicenter prospective randomized controlled study / 中华妇产科杂志

Objective To study the postpartum pelvic floor rehabilitation on the improvement of pelvic floor electrical physiological indexes and the prevention of female pelvic floor dysfunction in China. Methods A multicenter prospective randomized controlled study was carried out. From October 2011, postpartum women in five provinces were randomly assigned into treatment group and control group. The women in treatment group received electrical stimulation and biofeedback treatment. The women in control group performed pelvic floor muscle exercise at home. When 6 months and 12 months after delivery, comparing two groups of patients with pelvic floor electrical physiological indexes and pelvic organ prolapse quantitation measurements (POP-Q), to evaluate the effect of postpartum pelvic floor rehabilitation on the prevention of pelvic floor dysfunction. Pelvic floor impact questionnaire short form (PFIQ-7) and pelvic organ prolapse/incontinence sexual questionnaire-12 (PISQ-12) were used to evaluate the influence on quality of life and sexual life. Results Until June 2013, 324 women were participated, 124 in control group, 200 in treatment group. According to the baseline results, there was statistical significance in the results of pelvic floor electrical physiological indexes between the treatment and control groups in postpartum 6 months and 12 months; the proportion above level Ⅲ of type Ⅰ and type Ⅱ muscle fibers strength in the treatment group, it was from 41.5% (83/200) and 40.5% (81/200) to 76.3% (145/190) and 79.5% (151/190) in postpartum 6 weeks and postpartum 6 months, increased to 80.6%(58/72) and 80.6%(58/72) in postpartum 12 months, improved significantly comparing with the control group (P0.05). There was no significant difference in the questionnaires in quality of life and quality of sexual life (P>0.05). Conclusion Neuromuscular electrical stimulation and biofeedback therapy in the early postpartum period could obviously improve pelvic floor electrical physiological indexes, and is beneficial to prevent the pelvic floor dysfunction.