Brain Neurorehabil.  2008 Mar;1(1):20-25. 10.12786/bn.2008.1.1.20.

New Therapeutic Approaches in upper Extremity Rehabilitation

• Kim MW

• KMID: 2308689
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.12786/bn.2008.1.1.20

Abstract

Much of neurorehabilitation rests on the assumption that patients can improve with practice. Studies in healthy subjects suggest that retention of motor learning is best accomplished with variable and random training schedules. Motor control and motor learning in post-stroke patients can have the same underlying mechanisms as motor learning in healthy subjects has. Several promising new rehabilitation approaches for upper extremity are based on theories of motor learning. These include arm ability training, constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT), electromyogram (EMG)-triggered neuromuscular stimulation, robotic interactive therapy and virtual reality. Other new approaches such as repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), cell transplantation, medication, acupuncture will be also shortly reviewed.

Keyword

motor learning; stroke; rehabilitation; upper extremity