Comments of Biofeedback - 10/1998

The Foundation has received a number of inquiries on the use of biofeedback in the treatment of disabilities associated with cerebral palsy. The technique involves sensory electrodes being placed on a persons skin over a muscle group. The electrodes lead to a monitoring device which informs the person whether the muscle group is contracted or relaxed; with some apparatus, the degree of contraction can be demonstrated. There is no pain or discomfort associated with the technique.

Biofeedback may be useful for some people when it is part of a broad program of restitution of function. The technique is essentially a learning experience utilizing a motivation and reinforcement technique. The person is motivated and assisted by being able to see (and hear) whether his voluntary efforts are specifically effecting a particular muscle group. Thus, it assists in learning how to improve voluntary control of a muscle group. However, it does not help the person know which muscles to influence or when or how often; this is the reason in order to be of use functionally, it has to be a part of a broader based program addressing improved function.

Failures of biofeedback have generally occurred when it was used in isolation as the "only" or principle treatment. Another problem has been that the learning experience appears to wear off; namely, if not reinforced by regular use, the person appears to "forget" the process of how to control the specific muscle group. In the case of children, the child too often gets bored over time and refuses to continue using the procedure.

There are a number of commercial and investigative instruments available, ranging from rather simple instruments for home use to very complex instruments for use in clinics. Individual experts have often modified available equipment to meet their own perceptions of what works best in their programs.

Rarely has the use of one specific intervention resulted in an important return of function to a person with a disability due to cerebral palsy. In some people and as a part of a broad program, biofeedback may be useful.