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Baker A, Schranz C, Seo NJ. Associating Functional Neural Connectivity and Specific Aspects of Sensorimotor Control in Chronic Stroke. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 23:5398. [PMID: 37420566 DOI: 10.3390/s23125398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023]
Abstract
Hand sensorimotor deficits often result from stroke, limiting the ability to perform daily living activities. Sensorimotor deficits are heterogeneous among stroke survivors. Previous work suggests a cause of hand deficits is altered neural connectivity. However, the relationships between neural connectivity and specific aspects of sensorimotor control have seldom been explored. Understanding these relationships is important for developing personalized rehabilitation strategies to improve individual patients' specific sensorimotor deficits and, thus, rehabilitation outcomes. Here, we investigated the hypothesis that specific aspects of sensorimotor control will be associated with distinct neural connectivity in chronic stroke survivors. Twelve chronic stroke survivors performed a paretic hand grip-and-relax task while EEG was collected. Four aspects of hand sensorimotor grip control were extracted, including reaction time, relaxation time, force magnitude control, and force direction control. EEG source connectivity in the bilateral sensorimotor regions was calculated in α and β frequency bands during grip preparation and execution. Each of the four hand grip measures was significantly associated with a distinct connectivity measure. These results support further investigations into functional neural connectivity signatures that explain various aspects of sensorimotor control, to assist the development of personalized rehabilitation that targets the specific brain networks responsible for the individuals' distinct sensorimotor deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Baker
- Department of Health Sciences and Research, College of Health Professions, Medical University of South Carolina, 77 President St., Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Christian Schranz
- Department of Health Sciences and Research, College of Health Professions, Medical University of South Carolina, 77 President St., Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Na Jin Seo
- Department of Health Sciences and Research, College of Health Professions, Medical University of South Carolina, 77 President St., Charleston, SC 29425, USA
- Division of Occupational Therapy, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Health Professions, Medical University of South Carolina, 151B Rutledge Ave., Charleston, SC 29425, USA
- Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System, 109 Bee St., Charleston, SC 29425, USA
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Seo NJ, Barry A, Ghassemi M, Triandafilou KM, Stoykov ME, Vidakovic L, Roth E, Kamper DG. Use of an EMG-Controlled Game as a Therapeutic Tool to Retrain Hand Muscle Activation Patterns Following Stroke: A Pilot Study. J Neurol Phys Ther 2022; 46:198-205. [PMID: 35320135 PMCID: PMC9232857 DOI: 10.1097/npt.0000000000000398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE To determine the feasibility of training with electromyographically (EMG) controlled games to improve control of muscle activation patterns in stroke survivors. METHODS Twenty chronic stroke survivors (>6 months) with moderate hand impairment were randomized to train either unilaterally (paretic only) or bilaterally over 9 one-hour training sessions. EMG signals from the unilateral or bilateral limbs controlled a cursor location on a computer screen for gameplay. The EMG muscle activation vector was projected onto the plane defined by the first 2 principal components of the activation workspace for the nonparetic hand. These principal components formed the x- and y-axes of the computer screen. RESULTS The recruitment goal (n = 20) was met over 9 months, with no screen failure, no attrition, and 97.8% adherence rate. After training, both groups significantly decreased the time to move the cursor to a novel sequence of targets (P = 0.006) by reducing normalized path length of the cursor movement (P = 0.005), and improved the Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT) quality score (P = 0.01). No significant group difference was observed. No significant change was seen in the WMFT time or Box and Block Test. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSIONS Stroke survivors could successfully use the EMG-controlled games to train control of muscle activation patterns. While the nonparetic limb EMG was used in this study to create target EMG patterns, the system supports various means for creating target patterns per user desires. Future studies will employ training with the EMG-controlled games in conjunction with functional task practice for a longer intervention duration to improve overall hand function.Video Abstract available for more insights from the authors (see the Video, Supplemental Digital Content 1, available at: http://links.lww.com/JNPT/A379).
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Jin Seo
- Departments of Rehabilitation Sciences and Health Science and Research, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, and Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Charleston, South Carolina (N.J.S.); Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, Chicago, Illinois (A.B., K.M.T., M.E.S., L.V. E.R.); Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, North Carolina State University/University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Raleigh, Chapel Hill (M.G., D.G.K); and Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois (M.E.S., L.V., E.R.)
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Effect of novel training to normalize altered finger force direction post-stroke: study protocol for a double-blind randomized controlled trial. Trials 2022; 23:301. [PMID: 35413931 PMCID: PMC9003156 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-022-06224-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Functional task performance requires proper control of both movement and force generation in three-dimensional space, especially for the hand. Control of force in three dimensions, however, is not explicitly treated in current physical rehabilitation. To address this gap in treatment, we have developed a tool to provide visual feedback on three-dimensional finger force. Our objective is to examine the effectiveness of training with this tool to restore hand function in stroke survivors. METHODS Double-blind randomized controlled trial. All participants undergo 18 1-h training sessions to practice generating volitional finger force of various target directions and magnitudes. The experimental group receives feedback on both force direction and magnitude, while the control group receives feedback on force magnitude only. The primary outcome is hand function as measured by the Action Research Arm Test. Other outcomes include the Box and Block Test, Stroke Impact Scale, ability to direct finger force, muscle activation pattern, and qualitative interviews. DISCUSSION The protocol for this clinical trial is described in detail. The results of this study will reveal whether explicit training of finger force direction in stroke survivors leads to improved motor control of the hand. This study will also improve the understanding of neuromuscular mechanisms underlying the recovery of hand function. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03995069 . Registered on June 21, 2019.
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Seo NJ, Ramakrishnan V, Woodbury ML, Bonilha L, Finetto C, Schranz C, Scronce G, Coupland K, Blaschke J, Baker A, Howard K, Meinzer C, Velozo CA, Adams RJ. Concomitant sensory stimulation during therapy to enhance hand functional recovery post stroke. Trials 2022; 23:262. [PMID: 35382902 PMCID: PMC8981199 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-022-06241-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Post-stroke hand impairment is prevalent and persistent even after a full course of rehabilitation. Hand diminishes stroke survivors’ abilities for activities of daily living and independence. One way to improve treatment efficacy is to augment therapy with peripheral sensory stimulation. Recently, a novel sensory stimulation, TheraBracelet, has been developed in which imperceptible vibration is applied during task practice through a wrist-worn device. The objective of this trial is to determine if combining TheraBracelet with hand task practice is superior to hand task practice alone. Methods A double-blind randomized controlled trial will be used. Chronic stroke survivors will undergo a standardized hand task practice therapy program (3 days/week for 6 weeks) while wearing a device on the paretic wrist. The device will deliver TheraBracelet vibration for the treatment group and no vibration for the control group. The primary outcome is hand function measured by the Wolf Motor Function Test. Other outcomes include the Box and Block Test, Action Research Arm Test, upper extremity use in daily living, biomechanical measure of the sensorimotor grip control, and EEG-based neural communication. Discussion This research will determine clinical utility of TheraBracelet to guide future translation. The TheraBracelet stimulation is delivered via a wrist-worn device, does not interfere with hand motion, and can be easily integrated into clinical practice. Enhancing hand function should substantially increase stroke survivors' independence and quality of life and reduce caregiver burden. Trial registration NCT04569123. Registered on September 29, 2020
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Jin Seo
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Department of Health Science and Research, Medical University of South Carolina, 151B Rutledge Ave, MSC 962, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA. .,Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Charleston, SC, USA. .,Department of Health Science and Research, Medical University of South Carolina, 77 President St, MSC 700, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA.
| | - Viswanathan Ramakrishnan
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, 135 Cannon St, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Michelle L Woodbury
- Department of Health Science and Research, Medical University of South Carolina, 77 President St, MSC 700, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Leonardo Bonilha
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of South Carolina, 96 Jonathan Lucas St, MSC 606, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Christian Finetto
- Department of Health Science and Research, Medical University of South Carolina, 77 President St, MSC 700, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Christian Schranz
- Department of Health Science and Research, Medical University of South Carolina, 77 President St, MSC 700, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Gabrielle Scronce
- Department of Health Science and Research, Medical University of South Carolina, 77 President St, MSC 700, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Kristen Coupland
- Department of Health Science and Research, Medical University of South Carolina, 77 President St, MSC 700, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Jenna Blaschke
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Department of Health Science and Research, Medical University of South Carolina, 151B Rutledge Ave, MSC 962, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Adam Baker
- Department of Health Science and Research, Medical University of South Carolina, 77 President St, MSC 700, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Keith Howard
- Department of Health Science and Research, Medical University of South Carolina, 77 President St, MSC 700, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Caitlyn Meinzer
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, 135 Cannon St, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Craig A Velozo
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Department of Health Science and Research, Medical University of South Carolina, 151B Rutledge Ave, MSC 962, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Robert J Adams
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of South Carolina, 96 Jonathan Lucas St, MSC 606, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
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Barlow S, Custead R, Lee J, Hozan M, Greenwood J. Wireless Sensing of Lower Lip and Thumb-Index Finger 'Ramp-and-Hold' Isometric Force Dynamics in a Small Cohort of Unilateral MCA Stroke: Discussion of Preliminary Findings. SENSORS 2020; 20:s20041221. [PMID: 32102239 PMCID: PMC7070866 DOI: 10.3390/s20041221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Revised: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Automated wireless sensing of force dynamics during a visuomotor control task was used to rapidly assess residual motor function during finger pinch (right and left hand) and lower lip compression in a cohort of seven adult males with chronic, unilateral middle cerebral artery (MCA) stroke with infarct confirmed by anatomic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A matched cohort of 25 neurotypical adult males served as controls. Dependent variables were extracted from digitized records of ‘ramp-and-hold’ isometric contractions to target levels (0.25, 0.5, 1, and 2 Newtons) presented in a randomized block design; and included force reaction time, peak force, and dF/dtmax associated with force recruitment, and end-point accuracy and variability metrics during the contraction hold-phase (mean, SD, criterion percentage ‘on-target’). Maximum voluntary contraction force (MVCF) was also assessed to establish the force operating range. Results based on linear mixed modeling (LMM, adjusted for age and handedness) revealed significant patterns of dissolution in fine force regulation among MCA stroke participants, especially for the contralesional thumb-index finger followed by the ipsilesional digits, and the lower lip. For example, the contralesional thumb-index finger manifest increased reaction time, and greater overshoot in peak force during recruitment compared to controls. Impaired force regulation among MCA stroke participants during the contraction hold-phase was associated with significant increases in force SD, and dramatic reduction in the ability to regulate force output within prescribed target force window (±5% of target). Impaired force regulation during contraction hold-phase was greatest in the contralesional hand muscle group, followed by significant dissolution in ipsilateral digits, with smaller effects found for lower lip. These changes in fine force dynamics were accompanied by large reductions in the MVCF with the LMM marginal means for contralesional and ipsilesional pinch forces at just 34.77% (15.93 N vs. 45.82 N) and 66.45% (27.23 N vs. 40.98 N) of control performance, respectively. Biomechanical measures of fine force and MVCF performance in adult stroke survivors provide valuable information on the profile of residual motor function which can help inform clinical treatment strategies and quantitatively monitor the efficacy of rehabilitation or neuroprotection strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Barlow
- Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders, University of Nebraska, 141 Barkley Memorial Center, Lincoln, NE 68583-0738, USA; (R.C.); (M.H.); (J.G.)
- Department of Biological Systems Engineering, University of Nebraska, 230 L.W. Chase Hall, Lincoln, NE 68583-0726, USA
- Center for Brain-Biology-Behavior, University of Nebraska, C89 East Stadium, Lincoln, NE 68588-0156, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-402-472-6395; Fax: +1-402-472-7697
| | - Rebecca Custead
- Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders, University of Nebraska, 141 Barkley Memorial Center, Lincoln, NE 68583-0738, USA; (R.C.); (M.H.); (J.G.)
| | - Jaehoon Lee
- Department of Educational Psychology & Leadership, Texas Tech University, PO Box 41071, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA;
| | - Mohsen Hozan
- Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders, University of Nebraska, 141 Barkley Memorial Center, Lincoln, NE 68583-0738, USA; (R.C.); (M.H.); (J.G.)
- Department of Biological Systems Engineering, University of Nebraska, 230 L.W. Chase Hall, Lincoln, NE 68583-0726, USA
- Center for Brain-Biology-Behavior, University of Nebraska, C89 East Stadium, Lincoln, NE 68588-0156, USA
| | - Jacob Greenwood
- Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders, University of Nebraska, 141 Barkley Memorial Center, Lincoln, NE 68583-0738, USA; (R.C.); (M.H.); (J.G.)
- Department of Biological Systems Engineering, University of Nebraska, 230 L.W. Chase Hall, Lincoln, NE 68583-0726, USA
- Center for Brain-Biology-Behavior, University of Nebraska, C89 East Stadium, Lincoln, NE 68588-0156, USA
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Barlow SM, Hozan M, Lee J, Greenwood J, Custead R, Wardyn B, Tippin K. Orofacial and thumb-index finger ramp-and-hold isometric force dynamics in young neurotypical adults. J Biomech 2018. [PMID: 29526460 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2018.02.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The relation among several parameters of the ramp-and-hold isometric force contraction (peak force and dF/dtmax during the initial phase of force recruitment, and the proportion of hold-phase at target) was quantified for the right and left thumb-index finger pinch, and lower lip midline compression in 40 neurotypical right-handed young adults (20 female/20 males) using wireless force sensors and data acquisition technology developed in our laboratory. In this visuomotor control task, participants produced ramp-and-hold isometric forces as 'rapidly and accurately' as possible to end-point target levels at 0.25, 0.5, 1 and 2 Newtons presented to a computer monitor in a randomized block design. Significant relations were found between the parameters of the ramp-and-hold lip force task and target force level, including the peak rate of force change (dF/dtmax), peak force, and the criterion percentage of force within ±5% of target during the contraction hold phase. A significant performance advantage was found among these force variables for the thumb-index finger over the lower lip. The maximum voluntary compression force (MVCF) task revealed highly significant differences in force output between the thumb-index fingers and lower lip (∼4.47-4.70 times greater for the digits versus lower lip), a significant advantage of the right thumb-index finger over the non-dominant left thumb-index finger (12% and 25% right hand advantage for males and females, respectively), and a significant sex difference (∼1.65-1.73 times greater among males).
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven M Barlow
- Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders, University of Nebraska, 141 Barkley Memorial Center, Lincoln, NE 68583-0738, USA; Department of Biological Systems Engineering, University of Nebraska, 230 L.W. Chase Hall, Lincoln, NE 68583-0726, USA; Center for Brain, Biology, and Behavior, University of Nebraska, C89 East Stadium, Lincoln, NE 68588-0156, USA.
| | - Mohsen Hozan
- Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders, University of Nebraska, 141 Barkley Memorial Center, Lincoln, NE 68583-0738, USA; Department of Biological Systems Engineering, University of Nebraska, 230 L.W. Chase Hall, Lincoln, NE 68583-0726, USA; Center for Brain, Biology, and Behavior, University of Nebraska, C89 East Stadium, Lincoln, NE 68588-0156, USA.
| | - Jaehoon Lee
- Department of Educational Psychology & Leadership, Texas Tech University, PO Box 41071, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA.
| | - Jake Greenwood
- Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders, University of Nebraska, 141 Barkley Memorial Center, Lincoln, NE 68583-0738, USA; Department of Biological Systems Engineering, University of Nebraska, 230 L.W. Chase Hall, Lincoln, NE 68583-0726, USA; Center for Brain, Biology, and Behavior, University of Nebraska, C89 East Stadium, Lincoln, NE 68588-0156, USA.
| | - Rebecca Custead
- Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders, University of Nebraska, 141 Barkley Memorial Center, Lincoln, NE 68583-0738, USA; Center for Brain, Biology, and Behavior, University of Nebraska, C89 East Stadium, Lincoln, NE 68588-0156, USA.
| | - Brianna Wardyn
- Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders, University of Nebraska, 141 Barkley Memorial Center, Lincoln, NE 68583-0738, USA.
| | - Kaytlin Tippin
- Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders, University of Nebraska, 141 Barkley Memorial Center, Lincoln, NE 68583-0738, USA.
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