Article

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of electromyographic (EMG) biofeedback
training on pain, quadriceps strength, and functional ability in juvenile
rheumatoid arthritis (JRA). DESIGN: This is a randomized controlled study; 36
children (11 boys and 25 girls) with polyarticular JRA, with ages ranging from 8
to 13 years, were selected and assigned randomly, using computer-generated random
numbers, into 2 groups. The control group (n = 18) received the conventional
physical therapy program, whereas the study group (n = 18) received the same
program as the control group in addition to EMG biofeedback-guided isometric
exercises for 3 days a week for 12 weeks. Pain, peak torque of quadriceps
strength, and functional ability were evaluated before, after 6 weeks, and at the
end of 12 weeks of the treatment program. RESULTS: By 6 weeks, significant
differences were observed in the study group (P < 0.05) in all measured variables
except pain levels, whereas nonsignificant differences were observed in all
measured variables in the control group. By 12 weeks, each group demonstrated
significant improvements in pain, quadriceps strength, and functional ability (P
< 0.05), with significantly greater improvements seen in the study group compared
to the control group (P < 0.05). Both groups showed significant improvement at 12
weeks compared to that at 6 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: Electromyographic biofeedback may be a useful intervention modality to reduce pain, improve quadriceps strength,
and functional performance in JRA.

Langue : ANGLAIS