Geste Antagoniste Effects on Motor Performance in Dystonia-A Kinematic Study
Rachel Newby1,2,3,4, Siti Muhamed5,6, Jane Alty2,3,7
1Neurosciences Department Monash Medical Centre Clayton VIC Australia.
Background:
The kinematic effects of gestes have not previously been studied. The mechanism(s) by which these sensory tricks modify dystonic movement is not well understood.
Objectives:
A kinematic investigation of the geste phenomenon in patients with dystonia.
Methods:
Twenty-three patients with dystonia associated with a geste were studied. Twenty-nine healthy controls also participated. Fifteen seconds of finger tapping was recorded by electromagnetic sensors, and the task was repeated with geste. Separable motor components were extracted using a custom-written MATLAB script. Performance with and without geste was compared using Wilcoxon signed ranks testing.
Results:
Speed and fluency of finger tapping is impaired in dystonia. When patients executed their geste, speed of movement (amplitude × frequency) increased (P < 0.0001), and halts decreased (P = 0.007).
Conclusions:
That gestes improve not only dystonic muscle contraction but also the efficiency of voluntary movement suggests a broad influence at the premotor control stage.
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