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Corticomuscular Coherence in Children with Unilateral Cerebral Palsy: A Feasibility and Preliminary Protocol Study
Rachana R Gangwani1, Jasper I Mark1, Rachel M Vaughn1
1Department of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
Insights
This study shows that measuring corticomuscular coherence is feasible in children with unilateral cerebral palsy during goal-directed tasks. Researchers recommend 28-40 trials per limb for stable measurements.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pediatric Rehabilitation
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Unilateral cerebral palsy (UCP) affects motor control.
- Cerebral palsy (CP) impacts neural pathways, influencing movement.
- Understanding neural control in UCP is crucial for effective interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility of corticomuscular coherence (CMC) measurement in children with UCP.
- To establish optimal experimental parameters for CMC acquisition in this population.
- To inform future research and clinical applications of CMC in pediatric UCP.
Main Methods:
- Participants with UCP (Manual Ability Classification System levels I-III) performed a goal-directed grip task.
- Simultaneous electroencephalography (EEG) and electromyography (EMG) were recorded.
- CMC was calculated from EEG and EMG signals during the task.
Main Results:
- All 11 participants successfully completed the CMC procedures.
- An average of 27-29 trials per extremity were retained for analysis.
- Approximately 28 trials per extremity were needed to achieve measurement stability.
Conclusions:
- Corticomuscular coherence measurement is feasible in children with unilateral cerebral palsy.
- 28 to 40 CMC trials per extremity are recommended for reliable data.
- Established parameters will guide future CMC studies in pediatric UCP.
Abstract:
Objective This study assessed the feasibility of corticomuscular coherence measurement during a goal-directed task in children with unilateral cerebral palsy while establishing optimal experimental parameters. Methods Participants (Manual Ability Classification System levels I-III) completed a submaximal isometric goal-directed grip task during simultaneous electroencephalography and electromyography (EMG) acquisition. Results All participants (n = 11, 6 females, mean age 11.3 ±2.4 years) completed corticomuscular coherence procedures. Of the 40 trials obtained per extremity, an average of 29 (n = 9) and 27 (n = 10) trials were retained from the more- and less-affected extremities, respectively. Obtaining measurement stability required an average of 28 trials per extremity. Conclusion Findings from this work support the feasibility of corticomuscular coherence measurement in children with unilateral cerebral palsy. Acquiring 28 to 40 corticomuscular coherence trials per extremity is ideal. The experimental parameters established in this work will inform future corticomuscular coherence application in pediatric unilateral cerebral palsy.
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