A software for testing and training visuo-motor coordination for upper limb control

Abstract

BackgroundDeveloping methods to accelerate improvements in motor function are welcomed in clinical practice. Therefore, the aim of this study is to describe changes in brain activity related to the execution of motor tasks implemented on a software – the NeuroMaze – developed specifically to stimulate speed-accuracy tradeoff. New MethodThe NeuroMaze was tested in eleven young and healthy individuals in a single experimental session. The tasks consisted in moving a square appearing on the monitor by holding and dragging it with a mouse across paths of different widths (wide [2 cm] vs intermediate [1.5 cm] vs narrow [1 cm] widths). The mouse cursor speed and scalp electroencephalography (EEG) from the frontal, somatosensory and motor areas were recorded. ResultsThe mouse speed is reduced by 15 ± 6% and 48 ± 7% from the wide to the intermediate and narrow paths respectively (p < 0.005). Moreover, there was a greater beta EEG relative power in the narrow path in the frontal area of the brain when compared to the wide path (p < 0.05). Similarly, the narrow path reduced the gamma EEG relative power in motor/sensorimotor areas when compared to the wide path (p < 0.05). Comparison with existing methodsThe NeuroMaze is introduced as a method to elicit speed-accuracy tradeoff, and the authors are not aware of specific methods to establish fair comparisons. ConclusionThe NeuroMaze creates conditions to stimulate brain areas related to motor planning, sensory feedback and motor execution using speed-accuracy tradeoff contexts. Therefore, the NeuroMaze may induce adaptations in patients undergoing upper limb rehabilitation.