Biodynamic Feedback Training to Assure Learning Partial Load Bearing on Forearm Crutches

Abstract 

Krause D, Wünnemann M, Erlmann A, Hölzchen T, Mull M, Olivier N, Jöllenbeck T. Biodynamic feedback training to assure learning partial load bearing on forearm crutches.

Objective

To examine how biodynamic feedback training affects the learning of prescribed partial load bearing (200N).

Design

Three pre-post experiments.

Setting

Biomechanics laboratory in a German university.

Participants

A volunteer sample of 98 uninjured subjects who had not used crutches recently. There were 24 subjects in experiment 1 (mean age, 23.2y); 64 in experiment 2 (mean age, 43.6y); and 10 in experiment 3 (mean age, 40.3y), parallelized by arm force.

Interventions

Video instruction and feedback training: In experiment 1, 2 varied instruction videos and reduced feedback frequency; in experiment 2, varied frequencies of changing tasks (contextual interference); and in experiment 3, feedback training (walking) and transfer (stair tasks).

Main Outcome Measure

Vertical ground reaction force.

Results

Absolute error of practiced tasks was significantly reduced for all samples (P<.050). Varied contextual interference conditions did not significantly affect retention (P=.798) or transfer (P=.897). Positive transfer between tasks was significant in experiment 2 (P<.001) and was contrary to findings in experiment 3 (P=.071).

Conclusions

Biodynamic feedback training is applicable for learning prescribed partial load bearing. The frequency of changing tasks is irrelevant. Despite some support for transfer effects, additional practice in climbing and descending stairs might be beneficial.

Key Words: Biofeedback (psychology), Crutches, Knowledge of results (psychology), Load-bearing, Rehabilitation