Motor Learning for Individuals With Upper Limb Hemiparesis After Stroke
Overview
- Phase
- Not Applicable
- Intervention
- Not specified
- Conditions
- Stroke
- Sponsor
- Columbia University
- Enrollment
- 28
- Locations
- 1
- Primary Endpoint
- 24-Hour Retention Test: Number of completed scoops (more affected arm)
- Status
- Completed
- Last Updated
- 7 months ago
Overview
Brief Summary
The purpose of this research is to learn about practice conditions that may benefit stroke survivors when learning to use their more affected arm to perform a task. Participants will be randomized into two groups. Experimental and control groups will differ by one practice variable that will not be disclosed until completion of testing procedures. Participants will practice a motor task using both their more and less affected arms for two consecutive days. A Pre-Test will be administered on Day 1 before the training begins. Immediate Transfer of Learning will be administered on Day 2 after the completion of training. Delayed (24-hour) Retention and Transfer Tests will be administered on Day 3.
Detailed Description
Stroke involves loss of blood flow to the brain and can cause impaired upper limb motor function, resulting in long term disability. Targeted motor learning interventions can improve skill acquisition and functional upper limb use after stroke. For example, repetitive practice of a motor task has been shown to improve motor learning outcomes. However, more research is currently needed to identify important active ingredients in complex motor learning interventions and determine the most effective approaches for improving upper limb recovery after stroke. The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of a specific practice variable on motor learning for individuals with upper limb hemiparesis after stroke. This research will inform the development of future stroke rehabilitation interventions aimed at improving skill acquisition and motor learning.
Investigators
Dawn Nilsen
Professor of Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine
Columbia University
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria
- •At least 6 months following stroke (ischemic or hemorrhagic)
- •Upper limb weakness resulting from the stroke
- •Able to follow 2-step commands
- •Box and Block test score of 3-60
- •Intact proprioception at the index finger of the weaker arm
- •English speaking
Exclusion Criteria
- •Severe neglect (Score of 2 on extinction and inattention items of NIHSS)
- •Arm pain that limits movement or loss of functional range of movement (contracture)
- •Unable to give informed consent
- •Received Botox within the past 3-months
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
24-Hour Retention Test: Number of completed scoops (more affected arm)
Time Frame: Day 3
This is a 24-hour Retention Test of the trained motor task (the Scooping Task) that the participant practiced for 2 days. The participant is asked to use a spoon to scoop beans from one cup to another in an anterior-posterior direction, away from their body, for 30 seconds. One completed scoop occurs when at least one bean is transferred to the second cup. The score is the number of completed scoops that occur within 30 seconds. The participant will complete two blocks of five trials (30 seconds each). The number of completed scoops will be averaged across blocks of trials.
Secondary Outcomes
- Rating of Mood(Day 2)
- 24-Hour Transfer Test: Number of transported cubes (more affected arm)(Day 3)
- Self-Efficacy Rating for Scooping Task(Day 2)
- Interest/Enjoyment Subscale of the Intrinsic Motivation Inventory(Day 2)
- Value Subscale of the Intrinsic Motivation Inventory(Day 2)
- Immediate Transfer Test: Number of transported cubes (more affected arm)(Day 2)
- Perceived Choice Subscale of the Intrinsic Motivation Inventory(Day 2)
- Pressure/Tension Subscale of the Intrinsic Motivation Inventory(Day 2)
- Perceived Competence Subscale of the Intrinsic Motivation Inventory(Day 2)
- Effort Subscale of the Intrinsic Motivation Inventory(Day 2)