gms | German Medical Science

Objective: The purpose of this study is to employ 3D motion capture to quantify same day efficacies of three selected interventions intended to affect upper extremity function of participants post CVA during occupation-based tasks. Interventions selected are mCIMT, NDT, and NMES.

Materials and Methods: Participants who met the inclusion criteria which includes having had a stroke affecting one upper extremity, between age range 55 to 70 years of age. Each individual is screened for the project and once accepted made 4 visits to the Motion Analysis Research Center (MARC) with initial day of testing completed including pretests of the modified Ashworth test and Wolf Motor Function Test (Wolf, Catlin, et al,2001). In each subsequent visit, one of three interventions are randomly administered, including neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES), neurodevelopmental treatment (NDT), modified constraint induced movement therapy (mCIMT\'7d.

Bilateral upper extremity kinematic data and EMG were collected pre-intervention, immediately following a 30-minute intervention, and after a 30 minute washout period. Matched control individuals who meet basic age related requirements are also included in this study.

Results: The study quantifies functional upper extremity improvement following select interventions as subject brings cup from waist height to a shoulder level shelf. Additional results discussed will include changes in elbow flexion/extension observed following the interventions. Using 3D motion capture kinematics there were notable improvements in movements in shoulder flexion/abduction and elbow flexion/extension as needed to enhance performance and function.

Conclusions: This study demonstrates immediate and within session carryover improvements in upper extremity joint motion and muscular activation patterns during a functional task seen following NDT, mCIMT and NMES interventions.