Affiliations: [a] École de Réadaptation, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada | [b] Centre de recherche, Institut de Réadaptation de Montréal, Montréal, Canada | [c] Département de physiothérapie, Institut de Réadaptation de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
Correspondence:
[*]
Corresponding author. Centre de recherche, Institut de Réadaptation de Montréal, 6300 Darlington, Montréal, Quebec, Canada H3S 2J4.
Tel.: +1 514 3432094; Fax: +1 514 3432105; E-mail: bourbond@ere.umontreal.ca
Abstract: The objective of the study is to describe a new reeducation program based on a multi-directional and multi-articular dynamometer and to evaluate its applicability in one chronic right hemiparetic subject. The treatment sessions lasted 1 h and were conducted three times per week for a period of 8 weeks. During these sessions, the subject was asked to exert 10 repetitions of 16 torque combinations exerted at the shoulder, elbow and forearm or combined with handgrip exertion. The sequence of torques and force progressed from proximal to distal joints, and were realized in and out of the typical ‘synergy patterns’ described in this population. In addition, the levels of torque and force requested were increased progressively throughout the treatment period. The coordination of both upper extremities, tested using the finger to nose test, and the dexterity of the affected side, evaluated using the Box and Blocks assessment, tended to improve as treatments progressed. These results indicate the feasibility of this approach and suggest that it may be worthwhile examining the effectiveness of this approach on improving the functional performance of the upper extremity in a larger population of hemiparetic subjects.
Keywords: Motor performance, Muscle activation, Cerebrovascular accident, Weakness
