Measuring cortical motor hemodynamics during assisted stepping - An fNIRS feasibility study of using a walker.
Gait Posture
; 56: 112-118, 2017 07.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-28544947
ABSTRACT
Walkers are commonly prescribed worldwide to individuals unable to walk independently. Walker usage leads to improved postural control and voluntary movement during step. In the present study, we aimed to provide a concept-proof on the feasibility of an event-related protocol integrating the analyses of biomechanical variables of step initiation and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to measure activation of the supplementary motor area (SMA) while using a walker. Healthy young participants were tested while stepping with versus without the use of the walker. Behavioral analysis showed that anticipatory postural adjustments (APA) decreased when supporting the body weight on the walker. Delta (without-with) of activation magnitude of the muscle tibialis anterior was positively correlated to the delta of deoxyhemoglobin concentration changes in the SMA. The novelty of this study is the development of a protocol to assess brain function together with biomechanical analysis during the use of a walker. The method sheds light to the potential utility of combining fNIRS and biomechanical assessment during assistive step initiation, which can represent a new opportunity to study populations with mobility deficits.
Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Desempenho Psicomotor
/
Andadores
/
Caminhada
/
Córtex Motor
Limite:
Adult
/
Humans
/
Male
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Gait Posture
Assunto da revista:
ORTOPEDIA
Ano de publicação:
2017
Tipo de documento:
Article