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Modifiability of abnormal isometric elbow and shoulder joint torque coupling after stroke
Author(s) -
Ellis Michael D.,
Holubar Bradley G.,
Acosta Ana Maria,
Beer Randall F.,
Dewald Julius P. A.
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
muscle and nerve
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.025
H-Index - 145
eISSN - 1097-4598
pISSN - 0148-639X
DOI - 10.1002/mus.20343
Subject(s) - elbow , coactivation , physical medicine and rehabilitation , isometric exercise , stroke (engine) , medicine , electromyography , shoulder joint , population , rehabilitation , physical therapy , anatomy , physics , environmental health , thermodynamics
Unlike individuals with mild stroke, individuals with severe stroke are constrained to stereotypical movement patterns attributed to abnormal coupling of shoulder abductors with elbow flexors, and shoulder adductors with elbow extensors. Whether abnormal muscle coactivation and associated joint torque patterns can be changed in this population is important to determine given that it bears on the development of effective rehabilitation interventions. Eight subjects participated in a protocol that was designed to reduce abnormal elbow/shoulder joint torque coupling by training them to generate combinations of isometric elbow and shoulder joint torques away from the constraining patterns. After training, subjects demonstrated a significant reduction in abnormal torque coupling and a subsequent significant increase in ability to generate torque patterns away from the abnormal pattern. We suggest the rapid time‐course of these changes reflects a residual capacity of the central nervous system to adapt to a novel behavioral training environment. Muscle Nerve, 2005