title: An apparatus for a complimentary treatment of spasmodic torticollis.
abstract: We have developed an apparatus for treating spasmodic torticollis that can be used at home both during intensive therapy and follow-up. The refractoriness of spasmodic torticollis requires patients to practice biofeedback training partly on a home basis. However, it is usually difficult for spasmodic torticollis patients to provide and handle electromyographic (EMG) biofeedback training instruments. The present apparatus has 2 parts: first, a harness with a light source which is fixed on both shoulders; second, a photoreceptor, operant system for rewarding effect, and a digital recorder. The light is adjusted to strike the photoreceptor on the forehead when headposition is normal. Subjects are asked to keep the operant system--e.g. a radio--activated. They are trained in various postures as sitting, standing and walking. This apparatus provides a chance of home training to augment and maintain the effect during therapeutic sessions and the follow-up period.
authors.affiliation: 1st Department of Pharmacology, Hokkaido University School of Medicine.
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Saito
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Weiss
mesh_terms: D001676:Biofeedback, Psychology / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004576:Electromyography; D006801:Humans; D014103:Torticollis / Q000628:therapy*