Learning new movements after paralysis: Results from a home-based study

Scientific Reports, 2017 · DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-04930-z · Published: June 28, 2017

Spinal Cord Injury Neurology Neurorehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study explores using a body-machine interface (BMI) at home to help people with cervical spinal cord injuries improve their upper body movement. The BMI translates body motions into computer cursor movements. The interface was customized to each person's specific needs. Over a month, participants showed improved range of motion and strength in their shoulders. They also learned to adapt their movements to control the cursor in different tasks and games. The results suggest that the brain can learn to use the BMI while also adapting existing mobility to suit the demands of each task.

Study Duration

1 Month

Participants

7 cervical SCI participants

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Participants showed improved cursor control, becoming faster and moving the cursor along straighter lines with practice.
2
Clinical evaluations showed significant improvements in strength and range of motion for most subjects from the beginning to the end of the training.
3
Participants tended to organize their body movements on a planar structure, indicating a more consistent and efficient control strategy.

Research Summary

This study evaluated a body-machine interface (BMI) for assistance and rehabilitation in the home environment, demonstrating consistent motor learning and increased motor performance in cervical SCI participants. The interface was modified to increase each user's range of motion, resulting in positive trends of improvement in clinical and instrumented tests, with participants expanding their range of movement and increasing their strength. Home-based training with the BMI led to better kinematic performance and higher clinical scale improvements compared to hospital-based training, suggesting the effectiveness of daily and prolonged training for chronic survivors.

Practical Implications

Home-Based Rehabilitation

BMIs can facilitate rehabilitation in a patient's natural environment, allowing for longer and more consistent practice.

Personalized Therapy

Customization of the BMI to individual impairments can optimize outcomes and improve motor function.

Combined Assistance and Rehabilitation

BMIs can simultaneously provide assistance with daily activities and promote neuroplastic changes for motor learning and recovery.

Study Limitations

1
Lack of close clinical supervision in a home setting may be a potential drawback.
2
The study involved a small sample size of seven participants.
3
Sensor positioning might be more challenging.

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