Article

The use of real-time biofeedback has been shown to enable individuals to make
changes to their gait patterns.
It remains unknown whether the short-term
improvements reported in previous studies are retained in the longer term. In
this study, the paradigm used to investigate the short and long-term effects of
real-time biofeedback was modifying knee range of motion during gait to prevent
knee hyperextension in women. The purpose of this study was to investigate the
short-term (1-month follow up) and long-term (8-month follow up) effects of a
gait retraining program using real-time biofeedback to correct knee
hyperextension in young women. Seventeen healthy women, ages 18-35 years, with
asymptomatic knee hyperextension underwent a three-week (6 sessions) treadmill
gait retraining program. Real-time feedback of kinematic data (Visual 3D) was
provided during treadmill training. Knee extension range of motion was monitored
during overground gait evaluations and training sessions. Gait evaluations were
performed pretraining, posttraining (2days after), and 1-month, and 8-month after
the last training session. This study showed significant reduction in knee
hyperextension patterns immediately following training (mean+/-SD, 10.9 degrees
+/-4 degrees ), and at 1-month (7.5 degrees +/-5 degrees ) and 8-month (6.3
degrees +/-3.5 degrees ) follow ups. There was an increase in knee extension
between posttraining and 1-month follow up (3.4 degrees +/-5 degrees ). Reduction
in knee hyperextension range of motion was retained at 8-month follow up
evaluation. The present study shows the effects of real-time biofeedback in
facilitating the acquisition and retention of proficiency in reducing knee
hyperextension gait patterns, documenting that the retention is sustained for up to 8 months.
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Langue : ANGLAIS