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The "mirror box" illusion: effect of visual information on bimanual coordination in children with spastic hemiparetic
Max G Feltham1, Annick Ledebt, Simon J Bennett
1Institute for Biomedical Research into Human Movement and Health, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom.
Insights
Children with spastic hemiparetic cerebral palsy (SHCP) show similar bimanual coordination but greater movement variability than typically developing peers. Visual feedback conditions impact SHCP movement variability.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Psychology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Spastic hemiparetic cerebral palsy (SHCP) affects motor control, particularly bimanual coordination.
- Understanding visual feedback's role is crucial for rehabilitation strategies in children with SHCP.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate symmetrical bimanual coordination in children with SHCP compared to typically developing (TD) controls.
- To examine the influence of different visual feedback conditions (glass screen, opaque screen, mirror box) on movement variability.
Main Methods:
- Children with SHCP and TD children performed symmetrical bimanual tasks.
- Visual feedback was manipulated using a glass screen, opaque screen, or a mirror box.
- Movement coordination and variability between the arms were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Children with SHCP demonstrated comparable mean coordination patterns to TD children.
- However, children with SHCP exhibited significantly greater inter-arm movement variability.
- Movement variability in SHCP was highest in the opaque screen condition and lowest in the glass and mirror conditions.
Conclusions:
- Visual feedback significantly modulates movement variability in children with SHCP.
- The findings suggest implications for understanding central and peripheral mechanisms underlying motor control in hemiparesis.
- Mirror therapy and similar visual feedback techniques may be beneficial for improving bimanual coordination in SHCP.
Abstract:
The study examined symmetrical bimanual coordination of children with spastic hemiparetic cerebral palsy (SHCP) and a typically developing (TD) control group under conditions of visual feedback created by placing a glass screen, opaque screen or a mirror ("mirror box") between the arms. The "mirror box" creates a visual illusion, which gives rise to a visual perception of a zero lag, symmetric movement between the two arms. Children with SHCP exhibited a similar mean coordination pattern as the TD control group, but had greater movement variability between the arms. Furthermore, movement variability in children with SHCP was significantly greater in the screen condition compared with the glass and mirror condition, which were similar to each other. The effects of the availability of visual feedback in individuals with hemiparesis are discussed with reference to central and peripheral mechanisms.
