A robot-aided visuomotor wrist training induces motor and proprioceptive learning that transfers to the untrained ipsilateral elbow.
J Neuroeng Rehabil
; 20(1): 143, 2023 10 24.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-37875916
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Learning of a visuomotor task not only leads to changes in motor performance but also improves proprioceptive function of the trained joint/limb system. Such sensorimotor learning may show intra-joint transfer that is observable at a previously untrained degrees of freedom of the trained joint.OBJECTIVE:
Here, we examined if and to what extent such learning transfers to neighboring joints of the same limb and whether such transfer is observable in the motor as well as in the proprioceptive domain. Documenting such intra-limb transfer of sensorimotor learning holds promise for the neurorehabilitation of an impaired joint by training the neighboring joints.METHODS:
Using a robotic exoskeleton, 15 healthy young adults (18-35 years) underwent a visuomotor training that required them to make continuous, increasingly precise, small amplitude wrist movements. Wrist and elbow position sense just-noticeable-difference (JND) thresholds and spatial movement accuracy error (MAE) at wrist and elbow in an untrained pointing task were assessed before and immediately after, as well as 24 h after training.RESULTS:
First, all participants showed evidence of proprioceptive and motor learning in both trained and untrained joints. The mean JND threshold decreased significantly by 30% in trained wrist (M 1.26° to 0.88°) and by 35% in untrained elbow (M 1.96° to 1.28°). Second, mean MAE in untrained pointing task reduced by 20% in trained wrist and the untrained elbow. Third, after 24 h the gains in proprioceptive learning persisted at both joints, while transferred motor learning gains had decayed to such extent that they were no longer significant at the group level.CONCLUSION:
Our findings document that a one-time sensorimotor training induces rapid learning gains in proprioceptive acuity and untrained sensorimotor performance at the practiced joint. Importantly, these gains transfer almost fully to the neighboring, proximal joint/limb system.Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Bases de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Muñeca
/
Robótica
Límite:
Adult
/
Humans
Idioma:
En
Revista:
J Neuroeng Rehabil
Asunto de la revista:
ENGENHARIA BIOMEDICA
/
NEUROLOGIA
/
REABILITACAO
Año:
2023
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Estados Unidos