A new study suggests that children with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy (one side of the body affected by movement disorder) have the ability to imagine a motor action, such as grasping, without actually moving both hands. The mental simulation of a motor action without producing any overt movement is known as Motor Imagery (MI). These findings suggest that employing Motor Imagery training during rehabilitation therapy could improve upper limb and hand motor functions.
Researchers assessed a group of boys and girls, ages 9 to 14, with upper limb motor deficits, but no major cognitive impairments. The children were asked to hit a button to start timing their task. They then were told to grasp a small plastic sphere placed at one of three different distances with either hand and place it into a container, before hitting the button again to end the task. The children were then asked to imagine performing the task again using their non-preferred hand.
Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) showed activation in the affected brain hemisphere during imagination of grasping movements, which substantiates the scientists’ view that Motor Imagery ability for grasping actions could be preserved in children with unilateral cerebral palsy.
Cerebral palsy is a permanent, non-progressive condition that is often caused by a lack of oxygen and blood flow to a baby’s brain during labor and delivery, also known as hypoxia-ischemia. Characteristics associated with cerebral palsy may include reduced muscle tone, developmental delays, dragging feet, and walking on tip-toes.
Individuals diagnosed with cerebral palsy often participate in various, extensive forms of therapies designed to help them achieve their fullest cognitive, emotional and physical potential.
Cerebral palsy is a serious birth injury that may occur as a result of medical malpractice. If your child is affected by cerebral palsy as a result of malpractice, call us at 877-262-9767 to discuss your situation.
The following reviews from our clients do not constitute a guarantee, warranty, or prediction regarding the outcome of another legal matter. The cases mentioned in the reviews are illustrative of some of the matters previously handled by Grant & Eisenhofer involving various areas of birth injury law. These reviews are endorsements.
The following reviews from our clients do not constitute a guarantee, warranty, or prediction regarding the outcome of another legal matter. The cases mentioned in the reviews are illustrative of some of the matters previously handled by Grant & Eisenhofer involving various areas of birth injury law. These reviews are endorsements.