Investigation of the effects of biofeedback with execise therapy on mid thoracic dysfunction

his study has been designed to investigate the postural changes in cases with mid-thoracic dysfunction and to research the impact of exercise complemented by biofeedback on muscle strength, proprioception, balance, and spine mobility. After matching sexes and professions through stratified randomization, 50 patients between the ages of 18-30 diagnosed with mid-thoracic dysfunction were divided into two groups as exercise complemented by Biofeedback group (BF+EXE, N=25, age:233,08), and active exercise group (EXE, N=25, age:22,361,35). Each group received physical therapy and rehabilitation three days a week for eight weeks, totalling 24 sessions, and was evaluated pre and post treatment. Spinal mobility was evaluated with Spinal mouse device, and isometric and isokinetic muscle strength and proprioception were evaluated with isokinetic dynamometer. Evaluation of balance was done with Biodex balance system. Visual pain scale (VPS) and Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire were used to assess the intensity of pain; Neck Disability Index (NDI) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were used to assess functionality. After treatment, it was observed that the treatment received in the BF+EXE group was more effective than the treatment received in the EXE group in terms of restoring the angle of erect posture of the thoracic area, and enhancing isometric and isokinetic muscle strength (p<0,05). With regard to proprioception angles, VPS, NDI, and ODI, the treatment received in both groups had the same effect (p<0,05). In the assessment of balance with eyes open and eyes closed, the index values of stability for three directions displayed superior improvement in the EXE group (p<0,05). According to Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire, the back values of the BF+EXE group were found to be better compared to the values of the EXE group (p<0,05). The results of our study indicate that both treatments are beneficial for patients with mid-thoracic dysfunction; however, BF+EXE treatment is a more effective method in the improvement of posture, extensor muscle strength, proprioception, and functionality values. Keywords: Mid-thoracic dysfunction, biofeedback, isometric and isokinetic muscle strength, proprioception, balance.