Feasibility and validity of ambulant biofeedback devices to improve weight-bearing compliance in trauma patients with lower extremity fractures: A narrative review

• Main Authors: Eline M. Jagtenberg, Pishtiwan H. Kalmet, Maartje A. Krom, Taco J. Blokhuis, Henk A.M. Seelen, Martijn Poeze
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Foundation for Rehabilitation Information 2020-08-01
• Series: Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine
• Subjects: lower extremity fracture; trauma patient; compliance; ambulatory biofeedback device; permissive weight-bearing; partial weight-bearing
• Online Access: https://www.medicaljournals.se/jrm/content/html/10.2340/16501977-2721
• ISSN: 1650-1977; 1651-2081

Background: Ambulant biofeedback devices can be used to provide real-time feedback for trauma patients on weight-bearing regimes. The devices also enable prescribing clinicians to monitor and train patients’ level of weight-bearing. However, there is limited evidence regarding the feasibility of use of such devices in controlling weight-bearing, and their full potential remains to be elucidated. Objective: To investigate the feasibility of using ambulant biofeedback training devices to improve compliance with weight-bearing regimes in trauma patients with lower extremity fractures. Methods: A literature review of the feasibility and clinical validity of ambulant biofeedback devices. Results: Three clinically validated biofeedback devices were found feasible for use in monitoring the compliance of patients who have lower extremity fractures with different weight-bearing regimes. Conclusion: Further information about the feasibility and clinical validity of biofeedback training devices is nee-ded in order to optimize weight-bearing instructions for patients.