2002 — 2006 |
Cauraugh, James Chow, John |
N/AActivity Code Description: No activity code was retrieved: click on the grant title for more information |
Collaborative Research: Network-Based Interactive Laboratory Modules For the Study of Movement Biomechanics, and Coordination and Control
Biological Sciences (61) The objective of this project is to develop a set of interactive laboratory modules utilizing a previously developed Internet-based video digitizing system. The modules allow students to quantify the motion of an object or the human body by acquiring coordinate data from video images. The kinematic parameters resulting from the processing of coordinate data can be used for the learning of basic mechanical concepts and the study of movement coordination and control. Specifically, laboratory modules are being developed for the learning of basic mechanical concepts (e.g., linear and angular kinematics, muscle mechanics) that are usually taught in undergraduate level biomechanics and physics courses. The modules for the learning of concepts in motor coordination and control (e.g., inter-limb coordination, postural control) utilize a multidisciplinary approach, integrating concepts from biology, psychology and engineering. The use of the Web provides students unlimited accessibility in terms of both time (when) and location (where) to complete the laboratories. The modules have applications for distance learning courses and for educational settings where resources for specialized undergraduate laboratories are limited or unavailable. The project provides a unique integration of information technology and education for laboratory environments and the laboratory modules developed will be made available to the public. Teachers/Professors can selectively incorporate some or all of the modules in their courses. This is a collaborative effort with the University of Illinois-Urbana-Champaign (DUE 0127221).
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0.915 |
2006 — 2007 |
Cauraugh, James H |
R03Activity Code Description: To provide research support specifically limited in time and amount for studies in categorical program areas. Small grants provide flexibility for initiating studies which are generally for preliminary short-term projects and are non-renewable. |
Subacute Stroke Recovery: Bimanual Coordination Training
[unreadable] DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Stroke is the leading cause of motor disability. Unfortunately, even one year post, nearly 80% of stroke patients still have residual motor disabilities. Although research efforts toward facilitating current stroke rehabilitation interventions have yielded beneficial protocols, many are less than optimal and frequently deficient in attaining progress toward motor recovery. A primary reason underlying the minimal amount of motor recovery is the continued lack of a theoretical basis for many popular stroke interventions. One sound theory, bimanual coordination theory, provides a strong basis for explaining motor improvements in chronic hemiparesis. Indeed, bilateral movement training coupled with active neuromuscular stimulation has produced motor gains in extending the wrist and fingers during chronic stroke. The proposed project will investigate intensity levels (frequency) of coupled protocols, bilateral movement training augmented with active stimulation, as a behavioral intervention in stroke patients who are in the subacute phase of recovery (3 - 6 months post). Thirty-three subacute stroke patients will be randomly assigned to one of three intensity level groups: (a) zero control (no coupled protocols), (b) low (2 days/week for 2 weeks), and (c) high (4 days/week for 2 weeks). In addition, motor recovery of subjects will be tracked for 60 days after treatment to evaluate a cumulative effect on motor gains across time. Functional motor capabilities will be assessed 4 times (pretest, mid treatment, posttest 1, and posttest 2) by six primary outcome measures: (a) Fugl-Meyer Upper Extremity Motor Test, (b) Box and Block Test, (c) Wolf Motor Function Test, (d) fractionated reaction time, (e) sustained muscle contraction, and (f) Stroke Impact Scale. This proposal will provide dose-response evidence on intensity levels of coupled protocols and determine the motor recovery benefits of bilateral movement training coupled with active neuromuscular stimulation. Completing this project will comprehensively progress understanding of viable and effective mechanisms that improve motor function, thereby permitting continued advancement of a theoretically framed, empirically driven research program that will inform treatment protocols for recovery of motor disabilities in subacute stroke. [unreadable] [unreadable] [unreadable] [unreadable]
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