Date of Award

Summer 2005

Document Type

Thesis - Restricted

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Biomedical Engineering

First Advisor

Schmit, Brian

Second Advisor

Kamper, Derek

Third Advisor

Scheidt, Robert

Abstract

Immediately following damage to the cortex there is a reversion to the "anti-gravity" posture of human reflex standing; this hemiparetic posture involves flexion of the upper extremity and extension of the lower extremity [Lance, 1980]. Therapy has been shown to improve functional recovery following damage to the cortex; however, chronic hemiparesis persists in over 40% of the individuals with acute hemiparesis following stroke [Nakayama et al., 1994; Parker et al., 1986]. Studies have evaluated the upper extremity function in the chronic state following stroke. These studies have found a bias toward the flexor muscles of the upper extremity compared to the extensor muscles in terms of spastic response to stretch as well as volitional control [Kamper and Rymer, 2000; Kamper et al., 2001; Schmit and Rymer, 2001, Schmit et al., 2000; Levin and Feldman, 1994]. Additionally, muscle synergy patterns [Dewald, 1995; Roby-Brami et al., 2003], and kinematics of volitional reach [Reinkensmeyer, 1999; Viau et al., 2004] have been used to evaluate sensorimotor dysfunction following stroke with people in a seated posture. Anecdotal evidence from therapists and physicians suggests that during walking compared to sitting involuntary flexion of the upper extremity is more prominent in individuals with post-stroke hemiparesis. This phenomenon has not been previously addressed in terms of magnitude and impact of posture and lower extremity activation on the involuntary flexion of the upper extremity. The present study is conducted in order to provide quantitative measurements of the hand kinematics and muscle activation patterns of the upper extremity of individuals with poststroke hemiparesis.

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