Effect of augmented biofeedback for improvement of range of motion and upper extremity functionality in obstetric brachial plexus injury: a randomised control trial

Abstract

Background/Aims The loss of mobility and functional activities of the upper limb are the main longstanding complications of obstetric brachial plexus injury. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the augmented biofeedback system in conjunction with traditional physical therapy on the range of motion and functional activities in children with obstetric brachial plexus injury. Methods A total of 45 children aged from 6 to 10 years with obstetric brachial plexus injury were assigned into two groups. The control group received a traditional physical therapy programme, and the study group received the same programme with augmented biofeedback for 6 weeks. The main outcome parameters were the upper limb active range of motion, Mallet scale and Active Movement scale. Results The children in the study group showed greater significant improvement in all measured parameters compared with those in the control group. Conclusions Adding augmented biofeedback to the physical therapy programme provided greater improvement in upper limb mobility and functional activities for children with obstetric brachial plexus injury children.