 |
Therapeutic Effects on Neuromuscular
Function in Post-stroke Hemiparesis
|
Principal Investigator: Carolynn Patten, PhD, PT
Project Staff: Kevin C. McGill, PhD; Garry E. Gold, MD; D.C. Tong,
MD; Heather E. Brown MSPT; Dhara Kothari MS PT; Sara M. Northrop, MPT; and C.
Maria Kim, MSc, PT
Project Category: Stroke
The overriding objective of the proposed research is to determine the
mechanisms through which therapeutically induced adaptations in neuromuscular
activation affect weakness and locomotor disability in persons with post-stroke
hemiparesis. Clinical assessments, strength measurement, motor unit firing
patterns, magnetic resonance imaging, and gait analysis will be used to better
understand the relationship between impaired neuromuscular function and motor
disability.
Clinically-based Questions
What is the relationship between impairment (strength), disability (gait
velocity), and clinical outcome? Can clinically important change in disability
be predicted on the basis of changes in motor impairment following therapeutic
intervention?
How significantly are key gait parameters (self-selected walking speed,
fastest walking speed, single limb support, step length, cadence) affected by
therapeutic intervention targeted at reducing neuromuscular impairment?
Experimentally-based Questions
What is the extent of activation impairment in the lower extremity of
persons with post-stroke hemiparesis? Is therapeutic intervention effective at
reducing activation impairment?
What is the relationship between functional weakness and disruptions in
the motor unit recruitment-rate coding relationship in hemiparesis?
What are the prominent adaptations in neuromuscular activation patterns
(MU recruitment and secondary firing characteristics) which mediate improved
functional strength in hemiparetics?
Project Milestones to Date:
Notification of funding for this project was forwarded 15 November, 2002.
Due to the ongoing continuing resolution, a start date for the project has not
been determined.
Funding Source: VA RR&D Merit Review
Funding Status: Funded
|