Training with an upper-limb prosthetic simulator to enhance transfer of skill across limbs.
OBJECTIVE
To examine what effect bilateral transfer of movement across limbs may have in a person's ability to learn use of an upper-limb prosthetic simulator.


METHODS
Randomized trial.


METHODS
University laboratory.


METHODS
Able-bodied subjects randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups.


METHODS
Subjects performed 3 different tasks that required manipulation of objects with the simulator. Group 1 practiced with the simulator on the preferred limb and then transferred it to the nonpreferred limb; group 2 practiced with the simulator on the nonpreferred limb and then transferred it to the preferred limb; group 3 was a control group. Groups 1 and 2 underwent pretest trials, acquisition practice, posttest trials, and a 24-hour retention test; the control group followed the same design with the exception of acquisition practice.


METHODS
Elapsed time (1) from a signal to move until movement began (initiation time) and (2) from the beginning of movement to task completion (movement time).


RESULTS
Compared with the controls, groups 1 and 2 significantly reduced initiation time across all tasks from pretest to posttest (P=.003) and from pretest to retention test (P=.029). Groups 1 and 2 did not differ from each other. Movement time did not differ among the groups in the posttest. However, groups 1 and 2 significantly (P=.026) reduced movement time across all tasks from pretest to retention test compared with the control group. Groups 1 and 2 did not differ from each other.


CONCLUSIONS
The effects of bilateral transfer were evident for initiation time immediately on transfer, and this learning effect persisted to the retention test. The ability to execute movement, represented by movement time, occurred after consolidation of learning was complete. Cross-limb training with a prosthetic simulator may be useful for persons with recent unilateral upper-extremity amputation who are learning to use a prosthesis.
Weeks
Douglas L
DL
Department of Physical Therapy, Regis University, Denver, CO 80221, USA. dweeks@regis.edu
Wallace
Stephen A
SA
Anderson
David I
DI
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001186:Artificial Limbs; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D005260:Female; D007839:Functional Laterality / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000502:physiology; D009048:Motor Skills / Q000502:physiology*; D011930:Reaction Time; D012046:Rehabilitation / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D012153:Retention, Psychology / Q000502:physiology; D014163:Transfer, Psychology / Q000502:physiology*; D034941:Upper Extremity / Q000502:physiology