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The implications of injury in the developing nervous system on upper extremity function
1Jefferson University School of Health Professions, Department of Occupational Therapy, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Jefferson University School of Health Professions, Department of Physical Therapy, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Drexel University College of Medicine, Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
Insights
Damage to the corticospinal system (CS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS) in early life can impair upper extremity function. Understanding these systems is key for motor rehabilitation.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Clinical Neurology
Background:
- The corticospinal system (CS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS) are crucial for motor control.
- These systems are vulnerable to damage during prenatal and early postnatal development.
- Impairments in CS and PNS development can lead to significant functional deficits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the developmental features of the CS and PNS.
- To examine the clinical consequences of CS and PNS damage on upper extremity (UE) function.
- To highlight the importance of these systems for UE motor capabilities.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of developmental neuroscience and clinical neurology studies.
- Synthesis of information on CS and PNS development and injury.
- Analysis of the impact on upper extremity function.
Main Results:
- Proper development of both CS and PNS is essential for adequate UE function.
- Injury or abnormal development of these systems can result in UE dysfunction.
- Such dysfunction can limit participation in daily living activities.
Conclusions:
- The PNS and CS are critical for proper UE functioning.
- Further understanding of their developmental roles and disorders is necessary.
- This knowledge is vital for advancing the rehabilitation of motor impairments.
Study Design:
Literature review.
Purpose:
The corticospinal system (CS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS) are common sites of damage during the early stages of life. The prenatal or immediately prenatal period is the most common time for damage to occur. Here we briefly review the basic features of the development of the CS and the PNS and the clinical consequences of injury to or improper development of these systems on upper extremity (UE) function.
Results:
The proper development of both the CS and PNS is necessary to achieve adequate function of the (UE). Injury or improper development of these systems can lead to upper extremity dysfunction and limit participation in activities of daily living.
Conclusions:
Both the PNS and CS play major roles in the proper functioning of the UE. A better understanding of their roles and common developmental disorders is needed to move rehabilitation of motor impairments forward.
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