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Effects of hand-used on unilateral spatial neglect: a case study
T Fujii1, A Yamadori, R Fukatsu
1Section of Neuropsychology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai.
The Tohoku Journal of Experimental Medicine
|September 1, 1996
Summary
Left hand use can reduce left neglect, but spatio-motor cueing also plays a key role. This study explores how both hemispheric activation and cueing impact unilateral neglect.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Psychology
Background:
- Early research suggested left-hand use ameliorates left neglect in line bisection tasks.
- Subsequent studies questioned this, proposing spatio-motor cueing as a more significant factor.
Observation:
- A patient with left unilateral neglect and hemiparesis underwent three line bisection experiments.
- Line bisection with the right hand showed more severe left neglect than with the left hand under conventional conditions.
- Hand effects and starting position modifications were observed, particularly under body-fixed conditions.
Findings:
- Both hemispheric activation and spatio-motor cueing significantly influence unilateral neglect.
- The effectiveness of left-hand use in reducing neglect is modulated by factors like starting hand position.
Implications:
- Findings challenge a singular focus on spatio-motor cueing, highlighting the role of differential hemispheric activation.
- This research offers a more nuanced understanding of unilateral neglect and potential therapeutic interventions.