Cortical reorganization following bimanual training and somatosensory stimulation in cervical spinal cord injury: a case report.
OBJECTIVE
Deficits in upper-extremity function in individuals with tetraplegia are primarily due to the loss of motor pathways. Detrimental cortical reorganization, however, may create further loss of function. The purpose of this case report is to describe the cortical changes associated with a combination intervention using bimanual massed practice training with somatosensory stimulation.


METHODS
"BR" was a 22-year-old man with C6 tetraplegia and hand impairment who participated in this training intervention for 3 weeks.


RESULTS
BR demonstrated improvements in sensory function, strength (the force-generating capacity of muscle), and performance of functional hand skills. Following the training, the cortical motor map of the biceps brachii muscle shifted anteriorly and increased in area and volume.


CONCLUSIONS
This is the first documented case in which changes in the size and location of the cortical map were associated with an intervention and improvement in function in an individual with tetraplegia. This case suggests that an intensive training intervention may induce both functional and neurophysiological changes.
Hoffman
Larisa R
LR
Department of Physical Therapy, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA.
Field-Fote
Edelle C
EC
D000328:Adult; D001931:Brain Mapping; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae; D004525:Efferent Pathways / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009044:Motor Cortex / Q000503:physiopathology*; D009473:Neuronal Plasticity; D011782:Quadriplegia / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000534:rehabilitation; D050781:Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation; D034941:Upper Extremity / Q000294:innervation*