Residual control of isometric finger forces in hemiparetic patients. Evidence for dissociation of performance deficits.
Dissociation of performance in the control of isometric finger forces was observed in 6 patients with left-sided unilateral lesions involving sensorimotor areas. In a precision task subjects had to maintain, under visual feedback, a low constant force (2.5 N) while holding a force transducer between thumb and index finger. Performance was compared with that in a speed task, where changes had to be produced, as rapidly as possible, between two prescribed forces (6.25 and 18.75 N). While there were severe deficits in fast force changes corresponding to the functional impairment of the right hand in all patients, right hand maintenance of low isometric force remained intact in the same patients.
Mai
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Max-Planck-Institute for Psychiatry, Munich, F.R.G.
D002540:Cerebral Cortex / Q000503:physiopathology; D005385:Fingers / Q000294:innervation* / Q000502:physiology; D007839:Functional Laterality / Q000502:physiology*; D006429:Hemiplegia / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D007537:Isometric Contraction; D009119:Muscle Contraction