Facilitating Motor Learning in a Child with a Chromosome Translocation: Applications of Quantitative Surface Electromyography

Physical rehabilitation typically conjures up images of an adult in physical therapy to recover from an accident or injury. Children are also the unfortunate victims of strokes, head injuries, and developmental disorders. In this case study, a child with a rare genetic disorder is helped to learn to stand using a modification of surface electromyography, quantitative surface electromyography (QSEMG). Over a period of twelve 1-hour sessions, she learned to stand with minimal assistance. Achieving these types of goals is of critical importance for the development of maximum independence in performing activities of daily living.