Therapy to Improve Awareness After Stroke
For this study, we will recruit 8 healthy adults and 12 adults who are at least six months post-stroke and, as a result, have weakness on one side of the body (hemiparesis). The focus of this study is geared toward the recovery of function and quality of movement of the weaker arm and hand. The objectives of this study are to:
- Identify connections between brain areas among healthy persons
- Identify connections between brain areas among persons with stroke
- Evaluate in persons with stroke if and how these brain connections change after they receive a specific therapy, aimed at improving proprioception (body awareness)
- Evaluate how this specific therapy aids in recovery of function and quality of movement of the arm and hand
This research study will investigate the process of recovery of the arm and hand and plasticity in the brain, using cognitive multisensory rehabilitation, as well as identify how these important brain areas are connected to each other.
Cognitive Multisensory Rehabilitation
How does it work?
Cognitive multisensory rehabilitation consists of exercises that help give you a better awareness of your body, by feeling movements of the arm and hand with eyes closed. The cognitive multisensory rehabilitation is given by certified and qualified physical therapists with years of experience in this type of therapy.
An example of this therapy would be to have the therapist move a subject’s hand two different times from position A to B and then from position A to C. Then the therapist would ask the patient which of the two established positions is the hand furthest away from the body. By doing this, cognitive multisensory rehabilitation uses movement and touch to improve body awareness.
Subjects thus solve a “cognitive problem” (e.g. how far, how large, what shape, how heavy, which texture) through the use of their body and focus on both movements and interaction between their body and the environment. They explore and feel the object’s texture, length, shape, and weight in order to improve the flow of information between the hand and the brain. Through interactions with these objects, the person becomes more aware of their own body movements.
Visits will occur at the University of Minnesota Children's Rehabilitation Center and at the Center for Magnetic Resonance Research. You will receive compensation for travel.
Visual Explanation of Neurocognitive Therapy, MRI Compatible Robot, and Brain Activity
Study Locations
Center for Magnetic Resonance Research (CMRR)
University of Minnesota
2021 Sixth Street SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455
612-625-2874
From Highway I-94 take the Huron Boulevard exit and go north:
- Proceed ~3 blocks down Huron Boulevard to Washington Avenue
- Continue straight across Washington Avenue
- Continue straight across University Avenue onto SE 23rd Avenue
- Proceed ~3 blocks to SE 6th Street
- Turn left on 6th St SE
- The CMRR is the second building on the right (2021). On street parking is located on the east side of the CMRR building. Enter from 6th St SE, under skyway. Parking permits are available from the front desk.
Children's Rehabilitation Center (wheelchair accessible entrance)
426 Church Street SE
Room 302 - Brain Body Mind Lab
Minneapolis, MN 55455
612-625-1191
From Highway I-94 take the Huron Boulevard exit and go north:
- Left on Fulton Street SE
- Continue straight ahead onto East River Parkway
The East River Road Garage Parking Ramp will be on your right. After parking, take the elevator to the first floor to go outside. The Coffman Memorial Union Building is in front of you, the road is Delaware Street SE. Turn right to walk on Delaware St SE and take another right on Church St SE. We will meet you at the front entrance of the Children's Rehabilitation Building. We will then go to the Brain Body Mind Lab (3rd floor, Room 302).
If stairs are not an obstacle, you can also walk out of the East River Road Garage (Level C) and walk back to the East River Road Parkway, up the hill, to the first adjacent building on your left. This is the back entrance of the Children's Rehabilitation Center. We will wait for you at this door.
Brain Body Mind Lab (Room 302)
Principal Investigator (PI):
Ann Van de Winckel, PhD, MS, PT
Interested in Participating?
Contact
Email: avandewi@umn.edu