Date of Award


Document Type

Scholarly Project

Degree Name

Master of Physical Therapy (MPT)


Physical Therapy

First Advisor

Peggy Mohr


Biofeedback, Psychology; Elbow Joint


The purpose of this study was to see if a computer interface device was effective in improving quality of elbow joint motion in children by increasing motivation and attention span through the use of audio and visual biofeedback. Seventeen subjects between the ages of five and twelve were asked to participate in this study. The children were asked to complete ten repetitions of elbow flexion and extension while the tester manipulated the type of biofeedback given (1. audio and visual on, 2. audio on and visual off, 3. audio off and visual on, and 4. audio and visual off). These manipulations were features that the computer interface device provided and consisted of audio and visual biofeedback. After the children completed ten repetitions for each of the four conditions, a total quality score was calculated. A repeated measures analysis of variance was completed along with LSD Post Hoc comparison. Results showed that there was a significant difference in quality scores when biofeedback was provided as compared to when biofeedback was absent. The higher quality scores with biofeedback given may indicate that the computer interface device is an effective way to improve the quality of movement during rehabilitation with children.