The efficacy of SMART Arm training early after stroke for stroke survivors with severe upper limb disability: a protocol for a randomised controlled trial.
Citation:
Brauer SG, Hayward KS, Carson RG, Cresswell AG, Barker RN, The efficacy of SMART Arm training early after stroke for stroke survivors with severe upper limb disability: a protocol for a randomised controlled trial., BMC neurology, 13, 2013, 71Download Item:
1471-2377-13-71.pdf (PDF) 398.3Kb
Abstract:
Abstract
Background:
When we move along in time with a piece of music, we synchronise the downward phase of our gesture with
the beat. While it is easy to demonstrate this tendency, there is considerable debate as to its neural origins. It may have a
structural basis, whereby the gravitational field acts as an orientation reference that biases the formulation of motor
commands. Alternatively, it may be functional, and related to the economy with which motion assisted by gravity can be
generated by the motor system.
Methodology/Principal Findings:
We used a robotic system to generate a mathematical model of the gravitational forces
acting upon the hand, and then to reverse the effect of gravity, and invert the weight of the limb. In these circumstances,
patterns of coordination in which the upward phase of rhythmic hand movements coincided with the beat of a metronome
were more stable than those in which downward movements were made on the beat. When a normal gravitational force
was present, movements made down-on-the-beat were more stable than those made up-on-the-beat.
Conclusions/Significance:
The ubiquitous tendency to make a downward movement on a musical beat arises not from the
perception of gravity, but as a result of the economy of action that derives from its exploitation.
Author's Homepage:
http://people.tcd.ie/ricarsonDescription:
PUBLISHED
Author: CARSON, RICHARD
Type of material:
Journal ArticleCollections:
Series/Report no:
BMC neurology13
Availability:
Full text availableKeywords:
PsychologySubject (TCD):
Ageing , Neuroscience , Next Generation Medical DevicesDOI:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/1471-2377-13-71Licences: