EUROMEDICA  Hanover 6-7  Juni 2008	Advanced methods of diagnosis, treatment and prophylactics
	European Academy of Natural Sciences, Hanover European Scientific Society, Hanover Russian Academy of Natural Sciences, Moscow

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Biofeedback as a clinical tool has been recognized since the 1960s. At that time three main scientific sources flowed together to form the broad stream known as modern biofeedback: electromyography, electroencephalography and cardiovascular research by psychophysiologists. In rehabilitation the most useful feedback is electromyographic. Treating biofeedback in patients with neurological disorders, several factors require consideration. One of them is necessity of volitional control. It prerequisites intact speech, language and cognition functions close to normal levels. The patient should also have enough control of voluntary functions. Proprioceptive impairment causes a negative effect.

We use EMG biofeedback for stroke patients and patients with spinal cord injury in chronic stage. Regarding stroke patients there were hardly positive results in restoration of hand function whereas a reduction of spasticity and more successful restoration of lower extremity function were observed. In the group of patients with spinal cord injury EMG biofeedback was effective in managing autonomic problems associated with injuries such as incontinence retraining.