Intermuscular Coordination as a Novel Clinical Target for Stroke Neurorehabilitation
University of Houston
Summary
The purposes of this study include: 1. \- To identify whether features of aberrant intermuscular coordination patterns can be used to predict motor impairment after stroke. 2. \- To test whether muscle synergies are malleable to a non-invasive EMG-guided exercise that induces changes in intermuscular coordination of upper extremity muscles after stroke.
Description
Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability in the United States. Of the more than 700,000 Americans who experience a stroke each year, two-thirds survive. 69% of patients who were admitted to a rehabilitation unit following stroke have mild to severe upper extremity dysfunction. Currently, there are more than seven million stroke survivors in the U.S., many of whom have long-term motor and sensory impairments, especially in the arm. The objective of this study involves both scientific and clinical aspects: For the first purpose, intermuscular coordination patterns emerging under isomet…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 40–75 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion criteria for aged matched healthy group * Male or female whose age range between 40 and 75 * no known neurological injuries Exclusion criteria for aged matched healthy group * have an orthopedic disorder involving upper limbs; * have a history of any neurologic disease; * have any history of epilepsy of the potential participants and/or their family members; * are unable to consent; * are pregnant. Inclusion criteria for stroke group * male or female hemiparetic chronic stroke survivors; * age ranging between 40-75 year; * with single unilateral ischemic or hemorrhagic middle ce…
Interventions
- OtherNeuromuscular coordination-guided rehabilitative training
During training exercise, post-stroke participants will be asked to match the targets on the screen. The experimental group will match them by activating a specific set of muscle. During assessment trials, a physical therapist or occupational therapist will rate the functional level of arm impairment using FMA and ARAT.
- OtherForce strengthening-guided rehabilitative training
During training exercise, post-stroke participants will be asked to match the targets on the screen. The active comparator group will match them by generating isometric force in a desired target direction. During assessment trials, a physical therapist or occupational therapist will rate the functional level of arm impairment using FMA and ARAT.
Location
- University of HoustonHouston, Texas