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Vittersø AD, Halicka M, Buckingham G, Proulx MJ, Bultitude JH. The sensorimotor theory of pathological pain revisited. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 139:104735. [PMID: 35705110 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Harris (1999) proposed that pain can arise in the absence of tissue damage because changes in the cortical representation of the painful body part lead to incongruences between motor intention and sensory feedback. This idea, subsequently termed the sensorimotor theory of pain, has formed the basis for novel treatments for pathological pain. Here we review the evidence that people with pathological pain have changes to processes contributing to sensorimotor function: motor function, sensory feedback, cognitive representations of the body and its surrounding space, multisensory processing, and sensorimotor integration. Changes to sensorimotor processing are most evident in the form of motor deficits, sensory changes, and body representations distortions, and for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), fibromyalgia, and low back pain. Many sensorimotor changes are related to cortical processing, pain, and other clinical characteristics. However, there is very limited evidence that changes in sensorimotor processing actually lead to pain. We therefore propose that the theory is more appropriate for understanding why pain persists rather than how it arises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Axel D Vittersø
- Centre for Pain Research, University of Bath, Bath, Somerset, United Kingdom; Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, Somerset, United Kingdom; Department of Sport & Health Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, Devon, United Kingdom; Department of Psychology, Oslo New University College, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Monika Halicka
- Centre for Pain Research, University of Bath, Bath, Somerset, United Kingdom; Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, Somerset, United Kingdom
| | - Gavin Buckingham
- Department of Sport & Health Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, Devon, United Kingdom
| | - Michael J Proulx
- Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, Somerset, United Kingdom; Centre for Real and Virtual Environments Augmentation Labs, Department of Computer Science, University of Bath, Bath, Somerset, United Kingdom
| | - Janet H Bultitude
- Centre for Pain Research, University of Bath, Bath, Somerset, United Kingdom; Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, Somerset, United Kingdom
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2
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Stability of Action and Kinesthetic Perception in Parkinson's Disease. J Hum Kinet 2021; 76:145-159. [PMID: 33603931 PMCID: PMC7877286 DOI: 10.2478/hukin-2021-0006] [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] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We present a review of action and perception stability within the theoretical framework based on the idea of control with spatial referent coordinates for the effectors at a number of hierarchical levels. Stability of salient variables is ensured by synergies, neurophysiological structures that act in multi-dimensional spaces of elemental variables and limit variance to the uncontrolled manifold during action and iso-perceptual manifold during perception. Patients with Parkinson’s disease show impaired synergic control reflected in poor stability (low synergy indices) and poor agility (low indices of anticipatory synergy adjustments prior to planned quick actions). They also show impaired perception across modalities, including kinesthetic perception. We suggest that poor stability at the level of referent coordinates can be the dominant factor leading to poor stability of percepts.
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Di Biasio F, Marchese R, Abbruzzese G, Baldi O, Esposito M, Silvestre F, Tescione G, Berardelli A, Fabbrini G, Ferrazzano G, Pellicciari R, Eleopra R, Devigili G, Bono F, Santangelo D, Bertolasi L, Altavista MC, Moschella V, Barone P, Erro R, Albanese A, Scaglione C, Liguori R, Cotelli MS, Cossu G, Ceravolo R, Coletti Moja M, Zibetti M, Pisani A, Petracca M, Tinazzi M, Maderna L, Girlanda P, Magistrelli L, Misceo S, Romano M, Minafra B, Modugno N, Aguggia M, Cassano D, Defazio G, Avanzino L. Motor and Sensory Features of Cervical Dystonia Subtypes: Data From the Italian Dystonia Registry. Front Neurol 2020; 11:906. [PMID: 33013628 PMCID: PMC7493687 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.00906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Cervical dystonia (CD) is one of the most common forms of adult-onset isolated dystonia. Recently, CD has been classified according to the site of onset and spread, in different clinical subgroups, that may represent different clinical entities or pathophysiologic subtypes. In order to support this hypothesis, in this study we have evaluated whether different subgroups of CD, that clinically differ for site of onset and spread, also imply different sensorimotor features. Methods: Clinical and demographic data from 842 patients with CD from the Italian Dystonia Registry were examined. Motor features (head tremor and tremor elsewhere) and sensory features (sensory trick and neck pain) were investigated. We analyzed possible associations between motor and sensory features in CD subgroups [focal neck onset, no spread (FNO-NS); focal neck onset, segmental spread (FNO-SS); focal onset elsewhere with segmental spread to neck (FOE-SS); segmental neck involvement without spread (SNI)]. Results: In FNO-NS, FOE-SS, and SNI subgroups, head tremor was associated with the presence of tremor elsewhere. Sensory trick was associated with pain in patients with FNO-NS and with head tremor in patients with FNO-SS. Conclusion: The frequent association between head tremor and tremor elsewhere may suggest a common pathophysiological mechanism. Two mechanisms may be hypothesized for sensory trick: a gating mechanism attempting to reduce pain and a sensorimotor mechanism attempting to control tremor.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Giovanni Abbruzzese
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophtalmology, Genetics and Maternal Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Ottavia Baldi
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophtalmology, Genetics and Maternal Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Marcello Esposito
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Silvestre
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Girolamo Tescione
- "Salvatore Maugeri" Foundation, Institute of Telese Terme (BN), Benevento, Italy
| | - Alfredo Berardelli
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,IRCSS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Giovanni Fabbrini
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,IRCSS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Gina Ferrazzano
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Pellicciari
- Department of Basic Science, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, Aldo Moro University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Roberto Eleopra
- Fondazione I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, UOC Neurologia 1, Milan, Italy
| | - Grazia Devigili
- Fondazione I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, UOC Neurologia 1, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Bono
- Neurology Unit, Center for Botulinum Toxin Therapy, A.O.U. Mater Domini, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Domenico Santangelo
- Neurology Unit, Center for Botulinum Toxin Therapy, A.O.U. Mater Domini, Catanzaro, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Paolo Barone
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", Neuroscience Section, Universitá di Salerno, Baronissi, Italy
| | - Roberto Erro
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", Neuroscience Section, Universitá di Salerno, Baronissi, Italy
| | | | - Cesa Scaglione
- IRCCS Institute of Neurological Sciences, Bologna, Italy
| | - Rocco Liguori
- IRCCS Institute of Neurological Sciences, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Giovanni Cossu
- Neurology Service and Stroke Unit, Department of Neuroscience, AO Brotzu, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Roberto Ceravolo
- Neurology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Maurizio Zibetti
- Department of Neuroscience 'Rita Levi Montalcini', University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Antonio Pisani
- Neurology, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Martina Petracca
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli - IRCCS, Rome, Italy.,Institute of Neurology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Michele Tinazzi
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Luca Maderna
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Girlanda
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Luca Magistrelli
- Movement Disorders Centre, Neurology Unit, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy.,PhD Program in Clinical and Experimental Medicine and Medical Humanities, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | | | | | - Brigida Minafra
- Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Giovanni Defazio
- Neurology Unit, Department of Medical Science and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Laura Avanzino
- IRCCS Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy.,Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Human Physiology, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
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Peterka M, Odorfer T, Schwab M, Volkmann J, Zeller D. LSVT-BIG therapy in Parkinson's disease: physiological evidence for proprioceptive recalibration. BMC Neurol 2020; 20:276. [PMID: 32652957 PMCID: PMC7353788 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-020-01858-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is growing evidence for proprioceptive dysfunction in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). The Lee Silvermann Voice Treatment-BIG therapy (LSVT-BIG), a special training program aiming at an increase of movement amplitudes in persons with PD (PwPD), has shown to be effective on motor symptoms. LSVT-BIG is conceptionally based on improving bradykinesia, in particular the decrement of repetitive movements, by proprioceptive recalibration. OBJECTIVE To assess proprioceptive impairment in PwPD as compared to matched controls and to probe potential recalibration effects of the LSVT-BIG therapy on proprioception. METHODS Proprioceptive performance and fine motor skills were assessed in 30 PwPD and 15 matched controls. Measurements with significant impairment in PwPD were chosen as outcome parameters for a standardized 4 weeks amplitude-based training intervention (LSVT-BIG) in 11 PwPD. Proprioceptive performance served as primary outcome measure. Secondary outcome measures included the motor part of the MDS-UPDRS, the nine-hole-peg test, and a questionnaire on quality of life. Post-interventional assessments were conducted at weeks 4 and 8. RESULTS Compared to the control group, PwPD showed significantly larger pointing errors. After 4 weeks of LSVT-BIG therapy and even more so after an additional 4 weeks of continued training, proprioceptive performance improved significantly. In addition, quality of life improved as indicated by a questionnaire. CONCLUSION LSVT-BIG training may achieve a recalibration of proprioceptive processing in PwPD. Our data indicates a probable physiological mechanism of a symptom-specific, amplitude-based behavioral intervention in PwPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Peterka
- Department of Neurology, University of Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Str. 11, 97080, Würzburg, Germany.
| | - Thorsten Odorfer
- Department of Neurology, University of Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Str. 11, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Michael Schwab
- Stiftung Bürgerspital zum Hl. Geist, 97070, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Jens Volkmann
- Department of Neurology, University of Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Str. 11, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Daniel Zeller
- Department of Neurology, University of Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Str. 11, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
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Acquisition of Ownership Illusion with Self-Disownership in Neurological Patients. Brain Sci 2020; 10:brainsci10030170. [PMID: 32183477 PMCID: PMC7139520 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10030170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The multisensory regions in frontoparietal cortices play a crucial role in the sense of body and self. Disrupting this sense may lead to a feeling of disembodiment, or more generally, a sense of disownership. Experimentally, this altered consciousness disappears during illusory own-body perceptions, increasing the intensity of perceived ownership for an external virtual limb. In many clinical conditions, particularly in individuals with a discontinuous or absent sense of bodily awareness, the brain may effortlessly create a convincing feeling of body ownership over a surrogate body or body part. The immediate visual input dominates the current bodily state and induces rapid plastic adaptation that reconfigures the dynamics of bodily representation, allowing the brain to acquire an alternative sense of body and self. Investigating strategies to deconstruct the lack of a normal sense of bodily ownership, especially after a neurological injury, may aid the selection of appropriate clinical treatment.
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7
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Avanzino L, Cherif A, Crisafulli O, Carbone F, Zenzeri J, Morasso P, Abbruzzese G, Pelosin E, Konczak J. Tactile and proprioceptive dysfunction differentiates cervical dystonia with and without tremor. Neurology 2020; 94:e639-e650. [DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000008916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
ObjectiveTo determine whether different phenotypes of cervical dystonia (CD) express different types and levels of somatosensory impairment.MethodsWe assessed somatosensory function in patients with CD with and without tremor (n = 12 each) and in healthy age-matched controls (n = 22) by measuring tactile temporal discrimination thresholds of the nondystonic forearm and proprioceptive acuity in both the dystonic (head/neck) and nondystonic body segments (forearm/hand) using a joint position‐matching task. The head or the wrist was passively displaced along different axes to distinct joint positions by the experimenter or through a robotic exoskeleton. Participants actively reproduced the experienced joint position, and the absolute joint position‐matching error between the target and the reproduced positions served as a marker of proprioceptive acuity.ResultsTactile temporal discrimination thresholds were significantly elevated in both CD subgroups compared to controls. Proprioceptive acuity of both the dystonic and nondystonic body segments was elevated in patients with CD and tremor with respect to both healthy controls and patients with CD without tremor. That is, tactile abnormalities were a shared dysfunction of both CD phenotypes, while proprioceptive dysfunction was observed in patients with CD with tremor.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that the pathophysiology in CD can be characterized by 2 abnormal neural processes: a dysfunctional somatosensory gating mechanism involving the basal ganglia that triggers involuntary muscle spasms and abnormal processing of proprioceptive information within a defective corticocerebellar loop, likely affecting the feedback and feedforward control of head positioning. This dysfunction is expressed mainly in CD with tremor.
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8
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Park CW, Chung SJ, Sohn YH, Lee PH. A Case of Abnormal Postures in the Left Extremities after Pontine Hemorrhage: Dystonia or Pseudodystonia? J Mov Disord 2020; 13:62-65. [PMID: 31986870 PMCID: PMC6987531 DOI: 10.14802/jmd.19074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2019] [Revised: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 11/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
It is difficult to determine the pathoanatomical correlates of dystonia because of its complex pathophysiology, and most cases with secondary dystonia are associated with basal ganglia lesions. Moreover, it is a challenging issue that patients with abnormal postures accompanied by other neurological findings in the affected body part (e.g., sensory loss) can be diagnosed with true dystonia or pseudodystonia. Here, we report a case of abnormal postures with loss of proprioception in the left extremities after right dorsal pontine hemorrhage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chan Wook Park
- Department of Neurology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seok Jong Chung
- Department of Neurology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Young H. Sohn
- Department of Neurology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Phil Hyu Lee
- Department of Neurology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Severance Biomedical Science Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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9
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Mori L, Putzolu M, Bonassi G, Galeoto G, Mezzarobba S, Trompetto C, Avanzino L, Marchese R, Abbruzzese G, Pelosin E. Haptic perception of verticality correlates with postural and balance deficits in patients with Parkinson's disease. Parkinsonism Relat Disord 2019; 66:45-50. [DOI: 10.1016/j.parkreldis.2019.06.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2019] [Revised: 05/30/2019] [Accepted: 06/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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10
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Desrochers P, Brunfeldt A, Sidiropoulos C, Kagerer F. Sensorimotor Control in Dystonia. Brain Sci 2019; 9:brainsci9040079. [PMID: 30979073 PMCID: PMC6523253 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci9040079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2019] [Revised: 04/03/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
This is an overview of the sensorimotor impairments in dystonia, a syndrome characterized by sustained or intermittent aberrant movement patterns leading to abnormal movements and/or postures with or without a tremulous component. Dystonia can affect the entire body or specific body regions and results from a plethora of etiologies, including subtle changes in gray and white matter in several brain regions. Research over the last 25 years addressing topics of sensorimotor control has shown functional sensorimotor impairments related to sensorimotor integration, timing, oculomotor and head control, as well as upper and lower limb control. In the context of efforts to update the classification of dystonia, sensorimotor research is highly relevant for a better understanding of the underlying pathology, and potential mechanisms contributing to global and regional dysfunction within the central nervous system. This overview of relevant research regarding sensorimotor control in humans with idiopathic dystonia attempts to frame the dysfunction with respect to what is known regarding motor control in patients and healthy individuals. We also highlight promising avenues for the future study of neuromotor control that may help to further elucidate dystonia etiology, pathology, and functional characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phillip Desrochers
- Dept. of Kinesiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA.
| | - Alexander Brunfeldt
- Dept. of Kinesiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA.
| | - Christos Sidiropoulos
- Dept. of Neurology and Ophthalmology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA.
| | - Florian Kagerer
- Dept. of Kinesiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA.
- Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA.
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11
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Olson M, Lockhart TE, Lieberman A. Motor Learning Deficits in Parkinson's Disease (PD) and Their Effect on Training Response in Gait and Balance: A Narrative Review. Front Neurol 2019; 10:62. [PMID: 30792688 PMCID: PMC6374315 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2019.00062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Accepted: 01/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurological disorder traditionally associated with degeneration of the dopaminergic neurons within the substantia nigra, which results in bradykinesia, rigidity, tremor, and postural instability and gait disability (PIGD). The disorder has also been implicated in degradation of motor learning. While individuals with PD are able to learn, certain aspects of learning, especially automatic responses to feedback, are faulty, resulting in a reliance on feedforward systems of movement learning and control. Because of this, patients with PD may require more training to achieve and retain motor learning and may require additional sensory information or motor guidance in order to facilitate this learning. Furthermore, they may be unable to maintain these gains in environments and situations in which conscious effort is divided (such as dual-tasking). These shortcomings in motor learning could play a large part in degenerative gait and balance symptoms often seen in the disease, as patients are unable to adapt to gradual sensory and motor degradation. Research has shown that physical and exercise therapy can help patients with PD to adapt new feedforward strategies to partially counteract these symptoms. In particular, balance, treadmill, resistance, and repeated perturbation training therapies have been shown to improve motor patterns in PD. However, much research is still needed to determine which of these therapies best alleviates which symptoms of PIGD, the needed dose and intensity of these therapies, and long-term retention effects. The benefits of such technologies as augmented feedback, motorized perturbations, virtual reality, and weight-bearing assistance are also of interest. This narrative review will evaluate the effect of PD on motor learning and the effect of motor learning deficits on response to physical therapy and training programs, focusing specifically on features related to PIGD. Potential methods to strengthen therapeutic effects will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markey Olson
- Locomotion Research Laboratory, School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
- Muhammad Ali Movement Disorders Clinic, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - Thurmon E. Lockhart
- Locomotion Research Laboratory, School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
| | - Abraham Lieberman
- Muhammad Ali Movement Disorders Clinic, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ, United States
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12
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Scarpina F, Cau N, Cimolin V, Galli M, Priano L, Mauro A. Defective Tool Embodiment in Body Representation of Individuals Affected by Parkinson's Disease: A Preliminary Study. Front Psychol 2019; 9:2489. [PMID: 30666219 PMCID: PMC6330277 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2018.02489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Accepted: 11/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
When efficiently used for action, tools become part of the body, with effect on the spatial-temporal movement parameters and body size perception. Until now, no previous investigation has been reported about tool embodiment in Parkinson’s disease (PD), which is a neurological disease characterized by several sensory and motor symptoms affecting body and action. We enrolled 14 individuals affected by PD and 18 healthy individuals as controls. We studied the spatial-temporal parameters on self-paced free pointing movement task, via an optoelectronic system, before and after a short training in which a 27-cm long rod was used to point toward a far target. Moreover, we investigated changes in estimation of arm length through the Tactile Estimation Task. After the tool-use training, controls showed changes in spatial-temporal parameters: they were slower to perform movements and reported a higher value of deceleration than the baseline. However, such a difference did not emerge in the PD individuals. In the Tactile Discrimination Task, no difference emerged before and after the tool-use training in both groups. Our results were suggestive of possible difficulties of the tool embodiment process in PD. We discussed our results in relation to aberrant multisensory integration as well as in terms of the effect of PD sensory and motor symptoms on body schema plasticity. The present study points at a novel way to conceive PD sensory motor signs and symptoms in terms of their effect on individuals’ body representation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Scarpina
- Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Divisione di Neurologia e Neuroriabilitazione, Ospedale San Giuseppe, Piancavallo (VCO), Italy
| | - Nicola Cau
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Veronica Cimolin
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Manuela Galli
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy.,IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana, Tosinvest Sanità Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Priano
- Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Divisione di Neurologia e Neuroriabilitazione, Ospedale San Giuseppe, Piancavallo (VCO), Italy.,Department of Neuroscience "Rita Levi Montalcini", University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Alessandro Mauro
- Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Divisione di Neurologia e Neuroriabilitazione, Ospedale San Giuseppe, Piancavallo (VCO), Italy.,Department of Neuroscience "Rita Levi Montalcini", University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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