Myoelectric computer interfaces to reduce co-contraction after stroke.
A significant factor in impaired motor function caused by stroke is the inability to activate muscles independently. While the pathophysiology behind this co-contraction, sometimes called abnormal muscle synergy, is not clear, reducing the co-contraction could improve overall arm function. This pilot study describes the use of a myoelectric-computer interface (MCI) to retrain arm muscle activation and reduce co-contraction. We found that both healthy subjects and stroke survivors with hemiparesis learned to reduce co-contraction with MCI training. Three out of five stroke survivors experienced some improvement in arm function as well. These results suggest that MCIs could provide a novel, relatively inexpensive paradigm for stroke rehabilitation.
Department of Neurology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA. zacharywright@northwestern.edu
Zachary A
ZA
Wright
W Zev
WZ
Rymer
Marc W
MW
Slutzky
D001132:Arm / Q000503:physiopathology*; D003201:Computers; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009119:Muscle Contraction; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000503:physiopathology*; D010291:Paresis / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D010865:Pilot Projects; D020521:Stroke / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation