Journal article
The need for speed: Better movement quality during faster task performance after stroke
Neurorehabilitation and neural repair, Vol.26(4), pp.362-373
05/2012
DOI: 10.1177/1545968311425926
PMCID: PMC3325333
PMID: 22140198
Abstract
Background: . Although slow and insufficient muscle activation is a hallmark of hemiparesis poststroke, movement speed is rarely emphasized during upper-extremity rehabilitation. Moving faster may increase the intensity of task-specific training, but positive and/or negative effects on paretic-limb movement quality are unknown.
Objective: . To determine whether moving quickly instead of at a preferred speed either enhances or impairs paretic-limb task performance after stroke.
Methods: . A total of 16 people with poststroke hemiparesis and 11 healthy controls performed reach-grasp-lift movements at their preferred speed and as fast as possible, using palmar and 3-finger grip types. The authors measured durations of the reach and grasp phases, straightness of the reach path, thumb-index finger separation (aperture), efficiency of finger movement, and grip force.
Results: . Reach and grasp phase durations decreased in the fast condition in both groups, showing that participants were able to move more quickly when asked. When moving fast, the hemiparetic group had reach durations equal to those of healthy controls moving at their preferred speed. Movement quality also improved. Reach paths were straighter, and peak apertures were greater in both groups in the fast condition. The group with hemiparesis also showed improved efficiency of finger movement. Differences in peak grip force across speed conditions did not reach significance.
Conclusions: . People with hemiparesis who can perform reach-grasp-lift movements with a 3-finger grip can move faster than they choose to, and when they do, movement quality improves. Simple instructions to move faster could be a cost-free and effective means of increasing rehabilitation intensity after stroke.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- The need for speed: Better movement quality during faster task performance after stroke
- Creators
- Stacey L DeJong - Program in Physical Therapy, Washington University, St. Louis, MOSydney Y Schaefer - Program in Physical Therapy, Washington University, St. Louis, MOCatherine E Lang - Program in Physical Therapy, Washington University, St. Louis, MO
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Neurorehabilitation and neural repair, Vol.26(4), pp.362-373
- DOI
- 10.1177/1545968311425926
- PMID
- 22140198
- PMCID
- PMC3325333
- ISSN
- 1545-9683
- eISSN
- 1552-6844
- Grant note
- R01 HD055964-02 || HD / National Institute of Child Health & Human Development : NICHD T32 HD007434-17 || HD / National Institute of Child Health & Human Development : NICHD
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 05/2012
- Academic Unit
- Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science
- Record Identifier
- 9984047788102771
Metrics
13 Record Views