Is surface EMG biofeedback an effective training method for persons with neck and shoulder complaints after whiplash-associated disorders concerning activities of daily living and pain - a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of surface electromyographic (EMG) biofeedback training as a supplement to an interdisciplinary rehabilitation programme regarding consequences for activities of daily living and pain. Design A randomized controlled unblinded trial. Settings The study was carried out in a pain unit at a rehabilitation centre. Subjects Sixty-five people with chronic whiplash-associated disorders consecutively referred to the pain unit agreed to participate in the study. Participants were randomly assigned to either the treatment or control group. Intervention All participants received interdisciplinary rehabilitation and the treatment group also had four weeks of surface EMG biofeedback training. Main measures The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure was used at admission discharge and at six-month follow-up to register changes in activities of daily living. The Multidimensional Pain Inventory, Swedish version, was used at admission and at six-month follow-up to capture the multidimensional aspects of pain. Results Sixty-two people completed the study. Both treatment and control groups improved significantly according to the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure at discharge and the results remained after six months (P Conclusion In this study there was no support for the effectiveness of surface EMG biofeedback training as a supplement to an interdisciplinary rehabilitation programme for people with long-lasting pain after whiplash.