title: Mirror Visual Feedback to Improve Bradykinesia in Parkinson's Disease.
abstract: Mirror visual feedback (MVF) therapy has been applied to improve upper limb function in stroke. When combined with motor training, MVF improves the performance of the trained and untrained hand by enhancing the excitability of both primary motor cortices (M1s). Bradykinesia is a typical feature of Parkinson's disease (PD), characterized by slowness in the execution of movement. This condition is often asymmetrical and possibly supported by a volitional hypoactivation of M1. MVF therapy could tentatively treat bradykinesia since the untrained hand, which benefits from the exercise, is generally more severely impaired in undertaking sequential movements. Aim of the study was to evaluate whether MVF therapy may improve bradykinesia of the more affected hand in PD patients. Twelve PD patients and twelve healthy controls performed for 10 minutes a finger sequence, receiving MVF of the more affected/nondominant hand. Before and after MVF training, participants performed a finger sequence at their spontaneous pace with both hands. M1 excitability was assessed in the trained and untrained hemispheres by means of transcranial magnetic stimulation. Movement speed increased after MVF training in either hand of both groups. MVF therapy enhanced cortical excitability of M1s in both groups. Our preliminary data support the use of MVF therapy to improve bradykinesia in PD patients.
authors: Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Human Physiology and Centro Polifunzionale di Scienze Motorie, University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy.
authors: Gaia
authors: G
authors: Bonassi
authors: Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics and Maternal Child Health, University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy.
authors: Elisa
authors: E
authors: Pelosin
authors: Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics and Maternal Child Health, University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy.
authors: Carla
authors: C
authors: Ogliastro
authors: Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics and Maternal Child Health, University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy.
authors: Cecilia
authors: C
authors: Cerulli
authors: Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics and Maternal Child Health, University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy.
authors: Giovanni
authors: G
authors: Abbruzzese
authors: Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Human Physiology and Centro Polifunzionale di Scienze Motorie, University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy.
authors: Laura
authors: 0000-0001-6286-1509
authors: L
authors: Avanzino
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D056228:Feedback, Sensory / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D018476:Hypokinesia / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010300:Parkinson Disease / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D010775:Photic Stimulation / Q000379:methods*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000502:physiology*; D014796:Visual Perception / Q000502:physiology*