Training of isometric force tracking to improve motor control of the wrist after incomplete spinal cord injury: a case study

Jayden A. Bisson; Jacob R. Dupre; Stacey L. DeJong

doi:10.1080/09593985.2022.2049405

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Training of isometric force tracking to improve motor control of the wrist after incomplete spinal cord injury: a case study

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Training of isometric force tracking to improve motor control of the wrist after incomplete spinal cord injury: a case study

Jayden A. Bisson, Jacob R. Dupre and Stacey L. DeJong

Physiotherapy theory and practice, Vol.39(8), pp.1777-1788

2023

DOI: 10.1080/09593985.2022.2049405

PMCID: PMC9470767

PMID: 35287525

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https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/9470767View

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Abstract

Upper limb function is a high priority for people with cervical spinal cord injury (SCI). This case report describes an application of technology to activate spared neural pathways and improve wrist motor control. A 73-year-old man with chronic incomplete C5 SCI completed 24 training sessions over 92 days. Each session included 2 maximal contractions, 6 test trials, and 10 training trials of a visuomotor force tracking task. The participant attempted to match a sinusoidal target force curve, using isometric wrist flexor and extensor contractions. Electromyography (EMG) and force signals were recorded. Errors were elevated initially and improved with training, similarly during extension and flexion phases of the force tracking task. Improvement in both phases was associated with greater flexor activation in flexion phases and greater extensor relaxation in flexion phases. Errors were not related to EMG modulation during the extensor phases. Small improvements in active range of motion, grip force, spasticity, touch sensation, and corticospinal excitability were also observed. Motor skill training improved motor control after incomplete SCI, within the range of residual force production capacity. Performance gains were associated with specific adjustments in muscle activation and relaxation, and increased corticospinal excitability.

Spinal Cord Injury

case study

motor control

neuroplasticity

upper extremity

Details

Title: Subtitle: Training of isometric force tracking to improve motor control of the wrist after incomplete spinal cord injury: a case study
Creators: Jayden A. Bisson - Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine
Jacob R. Dupre - Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine
Stacey L. DeJong - Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Physiotherapy theory and practice, Vol.39(8), pp.1777-1788
DOI: 10.1080/09593985.2022.2049405
PMID: 35287525
PMCID: PMC9470767
NLM abbreviation: Physiother Theory Pract
ISSN: 0959-3985
eISSN: 1532-5040
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
Grant note: DOI: 10.13039/100009633, name: Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, award: NIH5P2CHD086844-04, Subaward MUSC18-062-8B465, NIHK12HD055931; DOI: 10.13039/100001024, name: Roy J. Carver Charitable Trust, award: Medical Research Initiative Grant
Language: English
Electronic publication date: 03/17/2022
Date published: 2023
Academic Unit: Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science
Record Identifier: 9984294956702771

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