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).


METHODS
Three pre-post experiments.


METHODS
Biomechanics laboratory in a German university.


METHODS
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.


METHODS
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).


METHODS
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.
Krause
Daniel
D
Department of Sport and Health, Sports Sciences, Faculty of Science, University Paderborn, Paderborn, Germany. daniel.krause@upb.de
Wünnemann
Martin
M
Erlmann
Andre
A
Hölzchen
Timo
T
Mull
Melanie
M
Olivier
Norbert
N
Jöllenbeck
Thomas
T
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D019644:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip / Q000534:rehabilitation; D019645:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee / Q000534:rehabilitation; D001676:Biofeedback, Psychology; D003446:Crutches; D005260:Female; D005542:Forearm / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007721:Knowledge of Results, Psychological; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D014741:Video Recording; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology; D016474:Weight-Bearing / Q000502:physiology*