MUSCLE BIOFEEDBACK:
BRUCKER BIOFEEDBACK, REWELLIO & SMART FABRICS
General overview
Developed in the 1970s in the United States, this method is a biofeedback based on electromyography (EMG), a medical technique that records the electrical currents caused by muscle activity.
Electrodes are placed on the deficient muscle and measure the signal by the brain, even in the case of very low muscle activity, to allow the patient to better perceive the movement achieved and to encourage the desired muscle activity, through visual or auditory feedback.
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Main objectives of the method
This technique increases the signals between the brain and muscles and thus allows better control.
The primary objective is to reduce the number of devices and learn new movements (use of the hand, sitting or standing, up to and including walking), through repeated muscle training and increased motivation (even when movement capacities are initially low).
Specificities of the method
Brucker Biofeedback
Therapists and patients can visualize the muscle work through the curves reproduced on the computer. A beep warns them when the muscle is properly used and the movements are appropriate. Thus, the patient can measure the strength of his muscle and make it progress by trying to raise the curve he visualizes on the screen.
He will understand which muscle to use to make movements. However, this method cannot do without subsequent strength training to acquire the new movements.
Session from 1 to 4 weeks - 1 to 3 sessions of 50min per day
A 3-month break between sessions to allow the brain to properly integrate the different messages.
Recommended frequency for results: 4 sessions per year.
Rewellio (hand)
New: Rewellio's flagship product is an application platform that can be used from home,
for more flexibility and independence
However: initially for post-stroke hand therapy, but can be used for paralysis
cerebral, hemiparesis...
The EMG biofeedback device will detect minor muscle activities that are often too much
weak to move the hand; by transmitting the data to the application, a patient will see a hand
Fully functional virtual that reflects in real time the activity level of the targeted muscles. The goal is to
of this concept is to "trap" the brain so that it learns which signals produce the right result in movement. Repeating these exercises helps the patient to find a certain functional use
of the hand, which becomes the basis for other exercises, such as training for more precise movements
of the hand and fingers.
Currently, there are two devices: the Myo cuff and the EMG-biofeedback biosignalsplux sensors.
Smart Fabrics
New: a motion detection fabric that analyzes movement intentions to help achieve them or provides feedback on the most appropriate positions to take to accelerate rehabilitation. At the study stage for the moment. The fabric is washable, inexpensive.
The market for smart medical textiles is expected to grow by 9.5% by 2027, according to Global Medical Smart Textile Market Information. Gloves only suitable for adult size for the moment.
Whois this method for ?
Children with central nervous system damage (brain, spinal cord or brainstem damage, cerebral palsy, etc.). From 6 years old.
It is complementary to any other form of rehabilitation (physiotherapy, occupational therapy...)
What parents say about it
Valentine's case: In just one year, he can stand up for himself (see video)
"I have never seen Valentin work so hard at work, laughing and surpassing himself. He has increased the quality of his signals between his muscles and the brain. He discovered his abs and buttocks. He holds his head completely, his trunk has gained in stability and he is more and more courageous..."
Downside: the price
Scientifi references
Brucker Biofeedback
"Results suggest the effectiveness of biofeedback in increasing voluntary EMG responses in patients with long-term spinal cord injury.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8607736
"Studies on EMG biofeedback have shown that patients with sensorimotor deficits can voluntarily control the activation of a single muscle and become more aware of their own EMG signal. However, the neurological mechanisms underlying the effectiveness of biofeedback training are not clear. Ongoing training could establish new sensory engrams and help patients perform tasks without feedback. Overall, biofeedback can improve neural plasticity by engaging auxiliary sensory inputs, making it a plausible tool for neurorehabilitation. »
"However, the overall effect of this type of biofeedback training on motor recovery is not uniform. Schleenbaker and Mainous showed a statistically significant effect of EMG biofeedback, while the other studies concluded that little or no improvement could be definitively determined. »
"Static EMG biofeedback therapy may therefore have only specific and limited effects on motor function recovery. »
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1550406/
Study that details the cases for which this method is more efficient than others:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3687555/`
Smart Fabrics
February 2019, Seoul National University: To help move hands (spinal cord injury, stroke or cerebral palsy)
Flexible and portable robotic device, helps to grasp and release objects (prototype)
By receiving data from a camera mounted on the user's glasses, the machine learning algorithm can predict what the person is trying to do and ask the flexible robotic device to help them appropriately. The system also includes a computer to allow the machine learning algorithm to work and a control module to help move the manual robot. The researchers would like to miniaturize the current system so that it can be easily transported by a patient.
October 2019, Wyss Institute of Harvard: Helping to move hands
Flexible and solid robotic glove that helps restore hand function. Study stage only.
The controller that feeds the glove is small enough to be attached to the user's belt.
https://www.medgadget.com/2019/10/soft-robotic-glove-for-hand-grasp-rehab.html
Any remarks or comments ?
This work is based on a collaborative approach to sharing research and family experience.
If you have any comments, suggestions for modifications or corrections or clarifications to make, please let us know by email at contact@leneurogroupe.org