Nine-hole Pegboard Research Articles

Motor Pathways Reorganization following Surgical Decompression for Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy: A Combined Navigated Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and Clinical Outcome Study.

(1) Background: Degenerative cervical myelopathy is one of the main causes of disability in the elderly. The treatment of choice in patients with clear symptomatology and radiological correlation is surgical decompression. The application of navigated transcranial magnetic stimulation (nTMS) techniques has the potential to provide additional insights into the cortical and corticospinal behavior of the myelopathic cord and to better characterize the possible extent of clinical recovery. The objective of our study was to use nTMS to evaluate the effect of surgical decompression on neurophysiological properties at the cortical and corticospinal level and to better characterize the extent of possible clinical recovery. (2) Methods: We conducted a longitudinal study in which we assessed and compared nTMS neurophysiological indexes and clinical parameters (modified Japanese Orthopedic Association score and nine-hole pegboard test) before surgery, at 6 months, and at 12 months' follow-up in a population of 15 patients. (3) Results: We found a significant reduction in resting motor threshold (RMT; average 7%), cortical silent period (CSP; average 15%), and motor area (average 25%) at both 6 months and 12 months. A statistically significant linear correlation emerged between recruitment curve (RC) values obtained at follow-up appointments and at baseline (r = 0.95 at 6 months, r = 0.98 at 12 months). A concomitant improvement in the mJOA score and in the nine-hole pegboard task was observed after surgery. (4) Conclusions: Our results suggest that surgical decompression of the myelopathic spinal cord improves the neurophysiological balance at the cortical and corticospinal level, resulting in clinically significant recovery. Such findings contribute to the existing evidence characterizing the brain and the spinal cord as a dynamic system capable of functional and reversible plasticity and provide useful clinical insights to be used for patient counseling.

Assessment of finger dexterity through the DIGITS joint tracking web application—An evaluation study with comparison to the nine-hole pegboard test

BackgroundHand dexterity is an important clinical marker after hand surgery as it can greatly impact one’s ability to perform their day-to-day activities. With the increased focus on remote patient monitoring after hand surgery, new technologies are required to remotely monitor hand dexterity. PurposeThe purpose of this study is to identify dexterity outcomes using the web application “DIGITS” and compare these outcomes to the nine-hole-pegboard test (NHPT). Study DesignCross-sectional observational study. MethodsThis was a two-part study with a pilot of our remote dexterity design using DIGITS followed by a validation study comparing DIGITS to a gold-standard metric of dexterity, NHPT. The pilot study recruited 42 healthy subjects between the ages of 18–65 to perform a remote finger tapping exercise using DIGITS. The second part of the study included 50 subjects between the ages of 18–65. Participants completed a demographic questionnaire and then completed three finger tapping sequences for 20 seconds using DIGITS and three trials of the NHPT with each hand. Correlational analyses were done to compare the DIGITS dexterity test with the NHPT. ResultsFour outcome measures to assess dexterity were identified, which included (1) total sequences completed in 20 seconds, (2) time to complete 10 sequences, (3) average frequency per sequence, and (3) sequence accuracy. Significant negative correlations were found with the NHPT and total sequences completed in 20 seconds in both dominant and non-dominant hand trials. Additionally, significant negative correlations were found between the NHPT and the time to complete 10 sequences and average frequency in the non-dominant hand trials. ConclusionsThis study shows promising results for the use of DIGITS as a remote measure of hand dexterity. The total number of sequences completed significantly correlates with the NHPT and should be further explored in representative patient populations.

Neurophysiological Markers of Premotor-Motor Network Plasticity Predict Motor Performance in Young and Older Adults.

Aging is commonly associated with a decline in motor control and neural plasticity. Tuning cortico-cortical interactions between premotor and motor areas is essential for controlling fine manual movements. However, whether plasticity in premotor-motor circuits predicts hand motor abilities in young and elderly humans remains unclear. Here, we administered transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) over the ventral premotor cortex (PMv) and primary motor cortex (M1) using the cortico-cortical paired-associative stimulation (ccPAS) protocol to manipulate the strength of PMv-to-M1 connectivity in 14 young and 14 elderly healthy adults. We assessed changes in motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) during ccPAS as an index of PMv-M1 network plasticity. We tested whether the magnitude of MEP changes might predict interindividual differences in performance in two motor tasks that rely on premotor-motor circuits, i.e., the nine-hole pegboard test and a choice reaction task. Results show lower motor performance and decreased PMv-M1 network plasticity in elderly adults. Critically, the slope of MEP changes during ccPAS accurately predicted performance at the two tasks across age groups, with larger slopes (i.e., MEP increase) predicting better motor performance at baseline in both young and elderly participants. These findings suggest that physiological indices of PMv-M1 plasticity could provide a neurophysiological marker of fine motor control across age-groups.

A Novel Developed Nine-Hole Pegboard to Assess Peg Travel and Reach Times

A Novel Developed Nine-Hole Pegboard to Assess Peg Travel and Reach Times

Quantitative evaluation of upper limb ataxia in spinocerebellar ataxias

ObjectiveTo quantitatively evaluate upper limb ataxia using a novel pen‐like sensor device in patients with spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA) and to assess its validity, reliability, and sensitivity to disease progression.MethodsWe designed a cross‐sectional and longitudinal study of patients with SCA and healthy controls. Upper limb ataxia was evaluated using a device that measures the three‐dimensional position every 10 msec. Participants were instructed to move a pen‐like part of the device iteratively between two buttons. We evaluated the time, length, velocity, and variation coefficient of the stroke, and calculated the distortion index using the mean squared error. The following scales were also evaluated: Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA), the International Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale (ICARS), and the nine‐hole pegboard test. Subjects were followed 12 months after the baseline evaluation.ResultsA total of 42 patients with SCA and 33 healthy controls were enrolled and evaluated. For all ataxia indices measured using the device there were significant differences between healthy controls and patients with SCA. Among the ataxia indices, the distortion index showed the strongest correlation with the SARA and ICARS upper limb score (Pearson's r = 0.647 and 0.722, respectively). Test–retest reliability was high for most of the ataxia indices. In the longitudinal analysis, the distortion index showed high standardized response mean and adjusted effect size, regardless of disease severity.InterpretationOur study demonstrated that the distortion index is a reliable functional marker that is sensitive to longitudinal change in patients with SCA.

Characterizing cardiac phenotype in Friedreich's ataxia: The CARFA study

Friedreich's ataxia is an autosomal recessive mitochondrial disease caused by a triplet repeat expansion in the frataxin gene (FXN), exhibiting cerebellar sensory ataxia, diabetes and cardiomyopathy. Cardiac complications are the major cause of early death. To characterize the cardiac phenotype associated with Friedreich's ataxia, and to assess the evolution of the associated cardiopathy over 1 year. This observational single-centre open label study consisted of two groups: 20 subjects with Friedreich's ataxia and 20 healthy controls studied over two visits over 1 year. All subjects had transthoracic echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, cardiopulmonary exercise testing, quantification of serum cardiac biomarkers and neurological assessment. Patients with Friedreich's ataxia had left ventricular hypertrophy, with significantly smaller left ventricular diastolic diameters and volumes and increased wall thicknesses. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated significant concentric left ventricular remodelling, according to the mass/volume ratio, and focal myocardial fibrosis in 50% of patients with Friedreich's ataxia. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing showed alteration of left ventricular diastolic filling in patients with Friedreich's ataxia, with an elevated VE/VCO2 slope (ventilatory flow/exhaled volume of carbon dioxide). High-sensitivity troponin T plasma concentrations were higher in subjects with Friedreich's ataxia. None of the previous variables changed at 1 year. Neurological assessments remained stable for both groups, except for the nine-hole pegboard test, which was altered over 1 year. The multivariable characterization of the cardiac phenotype of patients with Friedreich's ataxia was significantly different from controls at baseline. Over 1 year there were no clinically significant changes in patients with Friedreich's ataxia compared with healthy controls, whereas the neurological severity score increased modestly.

Associations between hand function and electrophysiological measurements in hand osteoarthritis patients of different ages with or without carpal tunnel syndrome

Osteoarthritis is a common degenerative disease that most frequently involves the hand. The objective was to compare clinical functional outcome measures including hand grip, pinch strength, and dexterity with various electrophysiological measures in patients of different ages with hand osteoarthritis with or without the presence of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Patients with hand osteoarthritis (208 patients, 404 hands) who underwent hand-function tests and motor and sensory nerve conduction studies (NCS) between June 2015 and June 2016 were enrolled. The patients’ hands were assigned to carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) (206 hands; mean age, 56.37 ± 10.52; male:female, 46:160) or control groups (198 hands; mean age, 57.88 ± 9.68; male:female, 55:143). The strength of hand grip and lateral pinch, the time required to complete the nine-hole pegboard test (9HPT), and motor and sensory nerve conduction parameters were measured and compared across age groups and between hands with or without CTS. The CTS group showed significantly lower hand grip and lateral pinch strength, and a longer time to complete the 9HPT in comparison with the control group. Female patients showed significantly lower hand grip and lateral pinch strength than male patients. However, there was no difference in the 9HPT completion time between genders. Multivariate regression analysis identified the amplitude of the median compound muscle action potential (CMAP), age, and male gender as independent predictors of grip strength (adjusted R2 = 0.679), and amplitude of median CMAP and male gender as independent predictors of KP strength (adjusted R2 = 0.603). Velocity of median CMAP, amplitude of median sensory nerve action potential, and age were identified as independent predictors of 9HPT time (adjusted R2 = 0.329). Nerve conduction measurements were significantly related to hand-function test results, and CTS induced significant deficits in strength and performance of the affected hand.

Effect of Motor Skill Training on Balance and Hand – Eye Coordination in Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Background: ADHD or Attention Deficit Hyperactive disorder is one of the most common condition affecting children. It is a neuro behavioural disorder affecting boys more than girls with a ratio of 3:1 and it affects almost 3 to 6 percentage of school children. There are limited number of studies on motor skill training to improve attention, balance and hand eye coordination. Methodology: Quasi Experimental, Convenient sampling, sample size was 30. The Participants for the study were selected based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria and experimental group followed 6 weeks of motor skill training exercise along with conventional physiotherapy. Conclusion: The results of this study showed post-test values of paediatric balance scale, nine-hole peg board test and gross motor functional measure of experimental and control group has a p value < 0.05 which is statistically significant. The study concludes that, motor skill training on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder shows significant improvement in balance and hand eye coordination.

Application of the p9NORM correction method to timed neuropsychological tests in Parkinson's disease and multiple system atrophy.

Timed neuropsychological tests do not take into account physical impairment during scoring procedures. Dysarthria and upper limb impairment can be easily measured with the PATA rate test (PRT) and the nine-hole pegboard test (9HPT). We recently validated a normalization method for timed neuropsychological tests using the PRT and 9HPT (p9NORM). We now validate the p9NORM in Parkinson's disease (Yarnall et al. Neurology 82(4):308-316; 2014) and multiple system atrophy (MSA). We enrolled twenty-six patients with PD, eighteen patients with MSA, and fifteen healthy controls (HC). p9NORM was applied to patients with abnormal PRT and/or 9HPT. All subjects were tested with a comprehensive neuropsychological battery. No differences emerged in demographics across groups: (PD: mean age ± SD 66 ± 8; education 9 ± 4 years; MSA: age 60 ± 8; education 10 ± 4 years; HC: age 61 ± 12; education 9 ± 4 years). In MSA patients, the scores on the trail making test (TMT-A p = 0.003; TMT-B p = 0.018), attentional matrices (AM; p = 0.042), and symbol digit modalities test (SDMT p = 0.027) significantly differed following application of p9NORM. In PD patients, the TMT-A (p < 0.001), TMT-B (p = 0.001), and AM (p = 0.001) differed after correction. PD and MSA showed cognitive impairment relative to HC performance. When comparing MSA with PD, the SDMT, AM, and fluencies were similar. TMT-A and -B raw scores were different between groups (p = 0.006; p = 0.034), but these differences lost significance after p9NORM corrections (p = 0.100; p = 0.186). We confirm that the p9NORM can be successfully used in both PD and MSA patients, as it mitigates the impact of disability on timed tests, resulting in a more accurate analysis of cognitive domains.

Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Hand Dexterity in Multiple Sclerosis: A Design for a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Cerebellar and motor tracts are frequently impaired in multiple sclerosis (MS). Altered hand dexterity constitutes a challenge in clinical practice, since medical treatment shows very limited benefits in this domain. Cerebellar control is made via several cerebellocortical pathways, of which the most studied one links the cerebellum to the contralateral motor cortex via the contralateral ventro-intermediate nucleus of the thalamus influencing the corticospinal outputs. Modulating the activity of the cerebellum or of the motor cortex could be of help. Method: The main interest here is to evaluate the efficacy of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), a noninvasive brain stimulation technique, in treating altered dexterity in MS. Forty-eight patients will be recruited in a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled, and crossover study. They will randomly undergo one of the three interventions: anodal tDCS over the primary motor area, cathodal tDCS over the cerebellum, or sham. Each block consists of five consecutive daily sessions with direct current (2 mA), lasting 20 min each. The primary outcome will be the improvement in manual dexterity according to the change in the time required to complete the nine-hole pegboard task. Secondary outcomes will include fatigue, pain, spasticity, and mood. Patients’ safety and satisfaction will be rated. Discussion: Due to its cost-effective, safe, and easy-to-use profile, motor or cerebellar tDCS may constitute a potential tool that might improve dexterity in MS patients and therefore ameliorate their quality of life.

Wrist Rehabilitation System Using Augmented Reality for Hemiplegic Stroke Patient Rehabilitation: A Feasibility Study

Objective: Our objective was to investigate the effect of the rehabilitation system using augmented reality (AR) on upper extremity motor performance of patients with stroke. Methods: The system using AR applying mirror therapy mechanism provides the intervention protocol for the patient with hemiplegia after stroke. The system consists of a patient positioning tool (a chair), a white surface table, an image acquisition unit, an image processing unit, an image displaying unit, an arm holder, a Velcro-strap, and two blue circle stickers. To assess the feasibility of our system in motor function recovery, a stroke patient was recruited to receive the AR intervention. The treatment was performed two times a day for ten minutes over two weeks (ten days of treating weeks), except for the time of installation, calibration, and three minute breaks. Jebsen Taylor hand function test and Arm Motor Fugl-Meyer assessment were used as primary and secondary outcome measures, respectively, to evaluate the effect of motor function recovery. Additionally, stroke impact scale, Korean version-Modified Barthel Index (K-MBI), active range of motion of wrist joint (ROM), and the grasp force in Newtons were measured. Participants’ feedback and adverse effects were recorded as well. Results: Motor function improvements were exhibited in wrist and hand subtest of Arm Motor Fugl-Meyer (baseline: 19; post-intervention: 23), proximal arm subtest of Fugl-Meyer (baseline: 31; post-intervention: 34), ROM (extending ROM: 10° and 3° for flexion and extension, repeatedly), stroke impact scale (baseline: 46; post-intervention: 54), K-MBI (baseline: 92; post-intervention: 95), nine-hole pegboard (baseline: 30 s; post-intervention: 25 s), and grasp force in Newtons (baseline: 12.7; post-intervention: 17.7). However, the adverse effects were reported after the intervention. Conclusion: The system using AR applying mirror therapy mechanism demonstrated the feasibility in motor function recovery for the stroke patient.

Relationship between Ipsilateral Motor Deficits on the Less-Affected Side and Motor Function Stage on the Affected Side

Purpose: Aim of this study was to investigate whether there are ipsilateral motor deficits for visuospatial accuracy and fine movements by making a comparison between stroke patients and healthy subjects. We examined whether ipsilateral motor deficits are influenced by the level of functional movements and muscle strength of the upper and lower extremities of the affected side. Methods: Thirty post-stroke subjects and 20 normal aged matched subjects were recruited. Outcome measures for less-affected side were the tracking task and nine-hole pegboard test. Fugl-Meyer test and motricity index were applied for the measurement of functional movements and muscle strength of affected side. Results: Tracking task and nine-hole pegboard test was significantly different between control and experimental group. In terms of accuracy index according to tracking, the experimental group showed a lower accuracy index in the MCP joint than the control group. However, there were no significant difference relation between the level of motor function of the affected side and the motor deficit level of ipsilateral side. Conclusion: Ipsilateral motor deficits may have significant clinical implications. It needs to be noted that although many patients, families, and medical staff are focused only on motor deficits of the affected side, motor deficits of the sound side can cause difficulties in daily living movements requiring delicate movements. In addition, there was no significant correlation between the level of motor function of the affected side and motor deficits of the sound side.

The therapeutic application of functional electrical stimulation and transcranial magnetic stimulation in rehabilitation of the hand function in incomplete cervical spinal cord injury

BackgroundFunctional electrical stimulation (FES) therapy has a potential to improve voluntary grasping and induce plastic changes among individuals with tetraplegia secondary to traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI). Also, evidence suggests that the use of high frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) to increase corticomotor excitability improves hand function in persons with cervical SCI.PurposeOur randomized controlled trial was carried out to compare the two rehabilitation programs, the first applied to FES and real rTMS whereas the second applied to FES and sham rTMS, with repect to hand function in chronic traumatic incomplete cervical SCI patients, and also with respect to changes in cortical excitability, and its relation to hand function before and after the rehabilitation programs.Patients and methodsOur study included 22 patients with chronic traumatic incomplete SCI. Patients were randomly assigned into two groups, 11 patients each. Group I patients received FES for 12 weeks with an additional real rTMS therapy for the last two weeks, at 10 Hz frequency, subthreshold intensity for a total of 1500 pulse per session for 10 sessions. Whereas group II patients received FES for 12 weeks with an additional sham rTMS therapy for the last two weeks. All were followed by an intensive hand training program. Patients were assessed: using hand function tests (action research arm test, modified Sollerman hand function test, nine-hole pegboard scale, and finger tapping test) and corticomotor excitability tests (using amplitude of motor evoked potential).ConclusionOur study showed statistically significant improvements in hand function tests in group I, who received FES in addition to real rTMS therapy in comparison with group II, who received FES in addition to sham rTMS at 12-week assessment. This could support the evidence of the additional benefit of real rTMS therapy for 10 sessions/2 weeks in improving hand function and motor recovery following SCI.

Effect of hand grip exercise on finger dexterity in geriatric population using nine-hole peg board test: A pilot study

Effect of hand grip exercise on finger dexterity in geriatric population using nine-hole peg board test: A pilot study

Normalization of timed neuropsychological tests with the PATA rate and nine-hole pegboard tests.

Despite neurological patients show frequent physical impairment, timed neuropsychological tests do not take this into account during scoring procedures. We propose a normalization method based on the PATA Rate Task (PRT) and on the nine-hole pegboard test (9HPT) as a measure of dysarthria and upper limb dysfunction. We tested 65 healthy controls on timed neuropsychological tests (Attentional Matrices [AM], Trail Making Test, Symbol Digit Modalities Test, Verbal Fluencies) to determine the time spent on phonation or on hand movement during test execution. We developed correction formulas to normalize test times considering the patient's PRT/9HPT, their normality limits, and the test timing. We tested the method on 24 patients with Friedreich Ataxia (FRDA), as a model of motor and speech impairment. In healthy controls, phonation or hand movement is 13.5-61.7% of total test time. In FRDA patients, the effect of normalization improved all test results (range: 0.51-48.4%; p<.001). FRDA patients had worst scores in all tests when compared to controls, and the difference remained significant after correction except for the AM. At the individual level, the normalization method improved equivalent scores with fever patients showing impaired scores after correction. We propose an innovative normalization method to reduce the impact of neurological disability on timed neuropsychological tests. This could be easily integrated in a clinical setting, as it requires a simple preliminary test with the PRT and 9HPT.

Effect of task-oriented activities on hand functions, cognitive functions and self-expression of elderly patients with dementia.

[Purpose] This study investigates the effects of task-oriented activities on hand function, cognitive function, and self-expression of the elderly with dementia, and then identify the influencing factors on self-expression in sub-factors of dependent variables. [Subjects and Methods] Forty elderly persons were divided into two groups: intervention group (n=20) and control group (n=20). The interventions were applied to the subjects 3 times a week, 50 minutes per each time, for a total of five weeks. We measured the jamar hand dynamometer test for grip strength, the jamar hydraulic pinch gauge test for prehension test, nine-hole pegboard test for coordination test, and Loewenstein Occupational Therapy Cognitive Assessment-Geriatric Population for cognitive function, and self-expression rating scale for self-expression test. [Results] The task-oriented activities promoted hand function, cognitive function (visual perception, spatial perception, visuomotor organization, attention & concentration) and self-expression of the elderly with early dementia, and the factors influencing the self-expression were cognitive function (visual perception) and hand function (coordination). The study showed that the task-oriented program enabled self-expression by improving hand function and cognitive function. [Conclusion] This study suggested that there should be provided the task-oriented program for prevention and treatment of the elderly with early dementia in the clinical settings and it was considered that results have a value as basic data that can be verified relationship of hand function, cognitive function, and self-expression.

Motor cortex rTMS improves dexterity in relapsing-remitting and secondary progressive multiple sclerosis.

The motor cortex (MC) receives an excitatory input from the cerebellum which is reduced in patients with cerebellar lesions. High-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) induces cortical facilitation which can counteract the reduced cerebellar drive to the MC. Our study included 24 relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) and secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS) patients with dysmetria. The patients were divided into two groups: Group A received two sessions of real MC rTMS and Group B received one session of real rTMS and one session of sham rTMS. Ten healthy volunteers formed group C. Evaluation was carried out using the nine-hole pegboard task and the cerebellar functional system score (FSS) of the expanded disability status scale (EDSS). Group A patients showed a significant improvement in the time required to finish the pegboard task (P=0.002) and in their cerebellar FSS (P=0.000) directly after the second session and 1month later. The RRMS patients showed more improvement than the SPMS patients. Group B patients did not show any improvement in the pegboard task or the cerebellar FSS. These results indicate that MC rTMS can be a promising option in treating both RRMS or SPMS patients with cerebellar impairment and that its effect can be long-lasting.

Instruments for assessment of impairments and activity limitations in patients with hand conditions: A European Delphi study.

To reach multidisciplinary European consensus on the assessment tools for impairments and activity limitations in patients with hand conditions. Electronic Delphi method. Thirty experts from European societies for hand therapy, hand surgery, and physical and rehabilitation medicine. In 3 rounds, participants were asked which of 13 preselected categories of the Brief International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) Core Set for Hand Conditions should be assessed. In addition, they were asked to choose which of 55 preselected instruments they preferred for each category by confirming or rejecting instrument-specific statements. All 13 preselected ICF categories were considered relevant. Consensus was based on ≥ 75% agreement. After 3 rounds, 9 instruments were selected: Shape Texture Identification Test, Semmes Weinstein Monofilament Test, Visual Analogue Scale for pain, goniometer, Jamar Dynamometer, Pinch Gauge Device, Cold Intolerance Symptom Severity questionnaire, Canadian Occupational Performance Measure, and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire. It remained undecided whether to use the Nine-Hole Pegboard Test or the Purdue Pegboard Test. In this European Delphi study, multidisciplinary consensus was reached on 9 assessment tools for impairments and activity limitations in patients with hand conditions addressing 13 categories of the Brief ICF Core Set for Hand Conditions.

Executive deficit in spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 is related to expanded CAG repeats: Evidence from antisaccadic eye movements

Although antisaccadic task is a sensitive research tool in psychopathology, it has not been systematically studied in patients with spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2). To identify putative biomarkers of executive dysfunction in SCA2 we assessed the antisaccade performance in 41 SCA2 patients and their sex-and-age matched controls using an electronystagmography device. We studied the relationship between findings in the antisaccade task and CAG repeat length and motor function as assessed using the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA), Nine-Hole Pegboard Test and a validated battery for executive dysfunctions. SCA2 patients showed a significant increase of inhibition and omission antisaccadic error rates, decrease of corrected antisaccadic errors and prolongation of antisaccadic latency and antisaccadic correction latency. Multiple regression predictions identified the expanded CAG repeat as a significant contributing factor on inhibition antisaccadic error rate and percentage of corrected antisaccadic errors. Impaired antisaccadic performance was associated to higher Stroop interference task and verbal fluency test deficits. In conclusion, antisaccadic eye movement abnormalities are a newly recognized association with the genetic abnormality in SCA2 and correlate with executive dysfunction in SCA2. Antisaccade parameters are a promising source of cognitive biomarkers for exploring the disease pathophysiology, and assessing the efficacy of therapeutic options.

Inhibitory theta burst stimulation of affected hemisphere in chronic stroke: A proof of principle, sham-controlled study

Non-invasive brain stimulation is presently being tested as a potential therapeutic intervention for stroke rehabilitation. Following a model of competitive interactions between the hemispheres, these interventions aim to increase the plasticity of stroke hemisphere by applying either excitatory protocols to the damaged hemisphere or inhibitory protocols to the non-stroke hemisphere. Here we test the safety and feasibility of using an inhibitory protocol on the stroke hemisphere to improve the response to conventional therapy via a homeostatic increase in learning capacity. Twelve chronic stroke patients received TBS to stroke hemisphere (6 patients inhibitory TBS and 6 sham TBS) followed by physical therapy daily for 10 working days. Patients and therapists were blinded to the type of TBS. Action Research Arm Test (ARAT), Nine-Hole Pegboard Test (NHPT) and Jebsen–Taylor Test (JTT) were the primary outcome measures, grip and pinch-grip dynamometry were the secondary outcome measures. All patients improved ARAT and JTT scores for up to 3 months post-treatment. ARAT scores improved significantly in both real and sham groups, but only patients receiving real TBS significantly improved on the JTT: 3 months post-treatment mean execution time was reduced compared to baseline by 141s for real group and by 65s for the sham group. This small exploratory study suggests that ipsilesional inhibitory TBS is safe and that it has the potential to be used in a larger trial to enhance the gain from a late rehabilitation program in chronic stroke patients.