Translating basic knowledge about motor control to applications for motor recovery after CNS lesions

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

Sensorimotor disturbances resulting from adult-onset central nervous system damage (Parkinson's Disease (PD) or stroke) include disorders in muscle tone (rigidity, spasticity) and movement deficits. In particular, coordination of movement is also affected by lesions of the vestibular system. Our team of collaborating researchers from McGill and University of Montreal will investigate how treatment of these deficits may be improved based on the knowledge of basic central control mechanisms underlying motor actions. We will focus on three central characteristics of disordered motor control: (a) Deficits in central regulation of stretch-reflex thresholds in the double-joint arm system that may underlie muscle weakness, rigidity, spasticity and incoordination of motions of different arm joints in PD and stroke; (b) Deficits in compensatory mechanisms normally used to reach the same motor goal ("motor equivalency") regardless of the number of body segments involved in the motor action in patients with PD, stroke and vestibulo-deficiency; (c) Deficits in anticipatory, predictive control during prehension in PD and stroke. Based on the experimental analysis of these central aspects of arm movement deficits (4 experiments in total), we will elaborate 3 diagnostic tests that evaluate the central stretch reflex threshold regulation as well as compensatory and predictive control in these neurological patients. We plan to adapt the tests for clinical use. Research will be carried out at two Universities and at 4 hospitals affiliated with the CRIR (Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation). Physiotherapists from our group and CRIR physicians will assist in the projects. Our trainees, including 3 PhD students, will take advantage of our multidisciplinary approach to motor control and learn how the results of fundamental studies can be applied to rehabilitation.