Motor Unit Firing Patterns in Post-stroke Hemiplegia

Principal Investigator: Carolynn Patten, PhD, PT

Project Staff: Kevin C. McGill, PhD and.Felix E. Zajac, PhD

Project Category: Stroke - 2003

Objective: The underlying scientific research objective of this project is to elucidate neuromuscular mechanisms responsible for impaired force regulation in post-stroke hemiplegia. One methodological approach will be to study motor unit firing patterns to identify abnormalities of motor unit recruitment and discharge rate modulation.

Project Milestones to Date:

1. Data and project development during the Career Development Awards served as the basis for both of Dr. Patten's funded Merit Review projects.

2. A manuscript reporting scientific findings of the Career Development Award is in preparation for submission to Brain.

3. A manuscript of a review article defining the phenomenon of post-stroke weakness and discussing resistance training for hemiparetic persons is in press with the Journal of Rehabilitation R&D.

Funding Source: VA RR&D Advanced Career Development Award

Funding Status: Funded