Biofeedback Motor Control Training With Real Time Force Plate Analysis

Posted by Dr. Lev Kalika on Wednesday, April 4, 2012 · Leave a Comment

Biofeedback motor control training utilizing real-time force plate analysis is the newest advance in treatment and rehabilitation of lower extremity disorders. This specific type of training is successfully used for treatment and post surgical rehabilitation of the knee and hip traumas as well as addressing gait dysfunctions. It is extremely effective in treatment of injuries sustained in prolonged high-exertion physical activities: team sports, figure skating, tennis, running and ballet dancing. Typical traumas suffered during these activities include patella-femoral knee injuries, ACL tears, knee instability and hip labrum tears..

HOW DOES THIS TECHNOLOGY WORK?

Force plate is the only technology that can non-invasively measure with precision quantity and quality of GRF (ground reaction force) in both magnitude and direction. By relating the reaction forces to the joint positions at varying phases of the movement cycle, muscle activity can be properly evaluated. Combined with surface electromyography, specific muscle activation patterns can be confirmed and monitored. As the patient, while positioned on the force plate, walks, runs, jumps or performs other exercises, ground reaction forces are displayed as vectors on the monitor screen providing the feedback that allows correcting joint angles during the observed movement so that the proper alignment and force distribution can be achieved..

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO KNOW THE FORCES WE EXERT?

The damage control could be established only if a patient learns how to manage internal and external forces occurring during the movement. According to the Newton’s 3d law of dynamics, the forces, which we exert onto the ground, are reflected back to our muscles and joints with equal intensity. Therefore by careful study of the movement and resulting GRF distribution, the excessive forces can be minimized and shock absorption can be improved ultimately reducing impact on muscles and joints..

For example, during a drop jump from an 8” box onto the force plate the monitor screen will display the joint angles at the moment of the landing, while the accompanying graph will display the ground reaction forces produced by the jump. Excessive ground reaction forces represent excessive wear to our joints while deviations in vector alignment represent poor muscle control. The ability to see this data in real-time allows the patient to correct movement patterns (technique or performance) therefore establishing proper neuromuscular control, decreasing excessive loading of the joints, improving shock absorption and avoiding muscle overuse. These measures are instrumental in reducing pain and halting the progress of the pathological process. .

HOW THIS TECHNOLOGY IS SUPERIOR TO CONVENTIONAL PHYSICAL THERAPY USED IN TREATMENT OF MOVEMENT DISORDERS?

Muscle strength and structural efficiency gained with physical therapy and conventional corrective exercise programs, very rarely can be easily transferred to the spontaneous every-day motor activity. The professionalism of the therapist and patient’s motivation and discipline are the most decisive factors in the successful conservative care outcome. And even with sufficient patient’s motivation and a highly proficient therapist, the motor control transference can be a slow process and sometimes turns out to be a nearly impossible task. .

The biofeedback real-time motor control training utilizing the force plate is a modern solution to nagging drawbacks in conventional physical therapy and rehabilitation. This new technique corrects movement patterns in their essence making the transference a natural therapeutic outcome. The biofeedback real-time motor control therapy provides an objective measure of the patient’s progress helping making necessary adjustments on the timely basis. This makes the therapy a fluid interactive process, allowing faster results and greatly improving the rate and sustainability of the patients’ recovery.

Please check out our pages for the running gait lab, the alter-g treadmill, and shockwave therapy to see how these technologies can help you.