Bimanual Force Variability and Chronic Stroke: Asymmetrical Hand Control |
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Authors: | Nyeonju Kang James H Cauraugh |
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Institution: | Motor Behavior Laboratory, Applied Physiology and Kinesiology Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America.; University of Ottawa, Canada, |
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Abstract: | The purpose of this study was to investigate force variability generated by both the paretic and non-paretic hands during bimanual force control. Nine chronic stroke individuals and nine age-matched individuals with no stroke history performed a force control task with both hands simultaneously. The task involved extending the wrist and fingers at 5%, 25%, and 50% of maximum voluntary contraction. Bimanual and unimanual force variability during bimanual force control was determined by calculating the coefficient of variation. Analyses revealed two main findings: (a) greater bimanual force variability in the stroke group than the control group and (b) increased force variability by the paretic hands during bimanual force control in comparison to the non-paretic hands at the 5% and 25% force production conditions. A primary conclusion is that post stroke bimanual force variability is asymmetrical between hands. |
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