Eline M. Jagtenberg, Pishtiwan H. S. Kalmet , Maartje A. P. de Krom, Taco J. Blokhuis, Henk A.M. Seelen, Martijn Poeze
Dept. of Trauma Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Centre, 6229HX Maastricht, The Netherlands. E-mail: e.jagtenberg@student.maastrichtuniversity.nl
DOI: 10.2340/16501977-2721

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.

Biofeedback devices, worn as an insole, can be used to provide real-time feedback to trauma patients with fractures of the lower extremities who are undergoing weight-bearing regimes. These devices also enable clinicians to monitor and train the patients’ level of weight-bearing. However, there is little evidence about the feasibility of use of these devices in controlling weight-bearing, and their full potential remains to be investigated. In order to optimize weight-bearing instructions for patients, knowledge of the feasibility and clinical validity of the available biofeedback training devices is required. This narrative review examines the feasibility of use of ambulant biofeedback training devices in trauma patients with lower extremity fractures in improving compliance with weight-bearing regimes.