Improvement in precision grip force control with self-modulation of primary motor cortex during motor imagery

Background We recently discovered that individuals with complete spinal cord injury (SCI) have a higher grip force control ability in their intact upper limbs than able-bodied subjects. However, the neural basis for this phenomenon is unknown. Objective This study aimed to investigate the neural basis of the higher grip force control in the brains of individuals with SCI using multimodal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Methods Eight SCI subjects and 10 able-bodied subjects performed hand grip force control tasks at 10%, 20%, and 30% of their maximal voluntary contraction during functional MRI (fMRI). Resting-state fMRI and T1-weighted structural images were obtained to investigate changes in brain networks and structures after SCI. Results SCI subjects showed higher grip force steadiness than able-bodied subjects ( P < .05, corrected), smaller activation in the primary motor cortex ( P < .05, corrected), and deactivation of the visual cortex ( P < .001, uncorrected). Furthermore, SCI subjects had stronger functional connectivity between the superior parietal lobule and the left primary motor cortex ( P < .001, uncorrected), as well as larger gray matter volume in the bilateral superior parietal lobule ( P < .001, uncorrected). Conclusions The structural and functional reorganization observed in the superior parietal lobule of SCI subjects may represent the neural basis underlying the observed higher grip force control, and is likely responsible for the smaller activation in the primary motor cortex observed in these individuals. These findings could have applications in the fields of neurorehabilitation for improvement of intact limb functions after SCI.

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Recovery and Prediction of Dynamic Precision Grip Force Control After Stroke

Stroke ◽

10.1161/strokeaha.119.026205 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 51 (3) ◽

pp. 944-951

Author(s):

Gaia Valentina Pennati ◽

Jeanette Plantin ◽

Loïc Carment ◽

Pauline Roca ◽

Jean-Claude Baron ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Force Control ◽

Grip Force ◽

Precision Grip ◽

Sensory Function ◽

Control Group ◽

Unique Identifier ◽

Limb Weakness ◽

Grip Force Control ◽

Finger Forces ◽

And Control

Background and Purpose— Dexterous object manipulation, requiring generation and control of finger forces, is often impaired after stroke. This study aimed to describe recovery of precision grip force control after stroke and to determine clinical and imaging predictors of 6-month performance. Methods— Eighty first-ever stroke patients with varying degrees of upper limb weakness were evaluated at 3 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months after stroke. Twenty-three healthy individuals of comparable age were also studied. The Strength-Dexterity test was used to quantify index finger and thumb forces during compression of springs of varying length in a precision grip. The coordination between finger forces (CorrForce), along with Dexterity-score and Repeatability-score, was calculated. Anatomical magnetic resonance imaging was used to calculate weighted corticospinal tract lesion load (wCST-LL). Results— CorrForce, Dexterity-score, and Repeatability-score in the affected hand were dramatically lower at each time point compared with the less-affected hand and the control group, even in patients with mild motor impairment according to Fugl-Meyer assessment. Improved performance over time occurred in CorrForce and Dexterity-score but not in Repeatability-score. The Fugl-Meyer assessment hand subscale, sensory function, and wCST-LL best predicted CorrForce and Dexterity-score status at 6 months (R 2 =0.56 and 0.87, respectively). wCST-LL explained substantial variance in CorrForce (R 2 =0.34) and Dexterity-score (R 2 =0.50) at 6 months; two-point discrimination and Fugl-Meyer score accounted for considerable additional variance. Absence of recovery in CorrForce was predicted by wCST-LL >4 cc and in Dexterity-score by wCST-LL >6 cc. Conclusions— Findings highlight persisting deficits in the ability to grasp and control finger forces after stroke. wCST-LL was the strongest predictor of performance at 6 months, but early two-point discrimination and Fugl-Meyer score had substantial additional predictive value. Registration— URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov . Unique identifier: NCT02878304.

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Power and precision grip force control in three-to-five-year-old children: velocity control precedes amplitude control in development

Experimental Brain Research ◽

10.1007/s00221-005-0322-5 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 172 (2) ◽

pp. 246-260 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

Nancy L. Potter ◽

Raymond D. Kent ◽

Mary J. Lindstrom ◽

Jo-Anne C. Lazarus

Keyword(s):

Force Control ◽

Grip Force ◽

Precision Grip ◽

Velocity Control ◽

Amplitude Control ◽

Grip Force Control

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Directed Connectivity in Large-scale Brain Networks for Precision Grip Force Control*

2019 41st Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society (EMBC) ◽

10.1109/embc.2019.8856735 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Yadong Lv ◽

Na Wei ◽

Ke Li

Keyword(s):

Force Control ◽

Large Scale ◽

Grip Force ◽

Brain Networks ◽

Precision Grip ◽

Grip Force Control

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Basal ganglia mechanisms underlying precision grip force control

Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews ◽

10.1016/j.neubiorev.2009.03.004 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 33 (6) ◽

pp. 900-908 ◽

Cited By ~ 64

Author(s):

Janey Prodoehl ◽

Daniel M. Corcos ◽

David E. Vaillancourt

Keyword(s):

Basal Ganglia ◽

Force Control ◽

Grip Force ◽

Precision Grip ◽

Grip Force Control

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Anticipatory and Reactive Grip Force Control in Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease: A Pilot Study

Journal of Alzheimer s Disease ◽

10.3233/jad-210387 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-15

Author(s):

Anna Gabriel ◽

Carolin T. Lehner ◽

Chiara Höhler ◽

Thomas Schneider ◽

Tessa P.T. Pfeiffer ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Alzheimer’S Disease ◽

Alzheimer's Disease ◽

Pilot Study ◽

Force Control ◽

Grip Force ◽

Object Manipulation ◽

Step Test ◽

Grip Force Control ◽

Potential Biomarker ◽

Neurological Conditions

Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) affects several cognitive functions and causes altered motor function. Fine motor deficits during object manipulation are evident in other neurological conditions, but have not been assessed in dementia patients yet. Objective: Investigate reactive and anticipatory grip force control in response to unexpected and expected load force perturbation in AD. Methods: Reactive and anticipatory grip force was investigated using a grip-device with force sensors. In this pilot study, fifteen AD patients and fourteen healthy controls performed a catching task. They held the device with one hand while a sandbag was dropped into an attached receptacle either by the experimenter or by the participant. Results: In contrast to studies of other neurological conditions, the majority of AD patients exerted lower static grip force levels than controls. Interestingly, patients who were slow in the Luria’s three-step test produced normal grip forces. The timing and magnitude of reactive grip force control were largely preserved in patients. In contrast, timing and extent of anticipatory grip forces were impaired in patients, although anticipatory control was generally preserved. These deficits were correlated with decreasing Mini-Mental State Examination scores. Apraxia scores, assessed by pantomime of tool-use, did not correlate with performance in the catching task. Conclusion: We interpreted the decreased grip force in AD in the context of loss of strength and lethargy, typical for patients with AD. The lower static grip force during object manipulation may emerge as a potential biomarker for early stages of AD, but more studies with larger sample sizes are necessary.

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