Magnifying vision improves motor performance in individuals with stroke. (October 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ambron, Elisabetta; Jax, Steven; Schettino, Luis F.; Coslett, H. Branch
• Is Part Of: Neuropsychologia. Volume 119(2018)
• Page Start: 373
• Page End: 381
• Publication Date: 2018-10
• Subjects: Motor abilities -- Magnification of vision -- Body representation -- Stroke care -- Therapy; Neuropsychology -- Periodicals; Neurology -- Periodicals; Psychophysiology -- Periodicals; Neuropsychologie -- Périodiques; Neuropsychology; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 616.8
• DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2018.08.029
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0028-3932

Abstract

Abstract: Increasing perceived hand size using magnifying lenses improves tactile discrimination and motor performance in neurologically-intact individuals. We tested whether magnification of the hand can improve motor function in individuals with chronic stroke. Twenty-five individuals with a history of stroke more than 6 months prior to testing underwent a series of tasks exploring different aspects of motor performance (grip force, finger tapping, reaching and grasping, and finger matching) under two visual conditions: magnified or normal vision. Performance was also assessed shortly after visual manipulation to test if these effects persisted. Twenty-eight percent of individuals showed an immediate significant improvement averaged across all tasks with magnification; similar beneficial responses were also observed in 32% of individuals after a short delay. These results suggest that magnification of the image of the hand may be of utility in rehabilitation of individuals with stroke. Highlights: Magnification of vision improves movements' execution in individuals with stroke. Magnification of vision may be of utility in rehabilitation. Magnification of the effector influences motor performance.