Vibro-Tactile EMG-Based Biofeedback Induces Changes of Muscle Activity Patterns in Childhood Dystonia

Abstract

Childhood dystonia has been associated with injury to the basal ganglia, however there is evidence suggesting the involvement of sensory cortex, cerebellum and brainstem. Even though dystonia is considered a movement disorder, recent studies have shown dysfunctional sensorimotor integration that further contributes to the dystonic symptoms. Such aberrant circuitry may prevent children with dystonia from acquiring new motor tasks. The use of EMG-based biofeedback has been proposed as a promising technique to augment sensory information and consequently improve motor function. The aim of this study is to test the effects of a newly designed vibrotactile EMG-based biofeedback device to induce changes of muscle patterns in children with dystonia during a continuous figure-eight task. We show a change in muscle activation task components when participants receive the biofeedback while performing the task. Those changes suggest new neuromotor solutions in the framework of “motor exploration” as a strategy in the early phases of motor learning.