Upper Extremity Motor Learning among Individuals with Parkinson's Disease: A Meta-Analysis Evaluating Movement Time in Simple Tasks

K Felix,M E Jenkins,K Gain,E Paiva,K Whitney,S J Spaulding

doi:10.1155/2012/589152

Abstract

Motor learning has been found to occur in the rehabilitation of individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD). Through repetitive structured practice of motor tasks, individuals show improved performance, confirming that motor learning has probably taken place. Although a number of studies have been completed evaluating motor learning in people with PD, the sample sizes were small and the improvements were variable. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to determine the ability of people with PD to learn motor tasks. Studies which measured movement time in upper extremity reaching tasks and met the inclusion criteria were included in the analysis. Results of the meta-analysis indicated that people with PD and neurologically healthy controls both demonstrated motor learning, characterized by a decrease in movement time during upper extremity movements. Movement time improvements were greater in the control group than in individuals with PD. These results support the findings that the practice of upper extremity reaching tasks is beneficial in reducing movement time in persons with PD and has important implications for rehabilitation.

Highlights

Motor learning is defined as a relatively permanent change in the ability to move associated with either practice or experience [1]
Brain activity changes occur in the basal ganglia during the process of motor learning [2]
A total of 58 individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and 56 participants without PD were included from the seven studies

Summary

Introduction

Motor learning is defined as a relatively permanent change in the ability to move associated with either practice or experience [1]. Brain activity changes occur in the basal ganglia during the process of motor learning [2]. From functional MRI studies, the key changes include a reduction of overall brain activation and a shift from cortical to more basal ganglia activity during the consolidation phase of learning [2, 3]. Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder affecting basal ganglia functioning, characterized by four cardinal signs; bradykinesia (slowness of movement), rigidity (stiffness), resting tremor, and postural instability. Due to the dysfunction of the basal ganglia in PD, motor learning may be impaired

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