Heidi Kraemer
Research Mentor(s): Chandramouli Krishnan
Mentor Department: Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
Authors: Thomas Augenstein, Heidi Kraemer, Aryan Bhagat, Shreeya Buddaraju, C. David Remy, Edward Claflin, Rajiv Ranganathan, Chandramouli Krishnan
Session: Session 5 (2:00pm – 2:50pm)
Presentation Type: Poster 43
Abstract
Learning motor skills after a stroke depends on repetitive practice of the skill as well as feedback on errors in performance to drive improvement. Feedback is typically provided by a visual perception of error (e.g., when reaching for an object, a patient can see where their hand is and where it should be). However, many skilled actions performed in daily life are accomplished without visual feedback (e.g., foot placement while walking or turning a doorknob). Therefore, researchers should examine alternative error-based methods of skill learning. Previous research from our lab has shown that robotic guidance during practice facilitates learning. However, it is currently unclear how aging and stroke affect this form of haptic feedback on motor skill learning. This project will use SepaRRo, a previously developed semi-passive robot for upper extremity rehabilitation, to examine if aging and stroke affect their ability to learn a novel task with haptic guidance. To this end, we recruited 20 stroke survivors and 20 uninjured older adults and previously collected 13 young adults to participate in an experiment with SepaRRo. The experiment consisted of 5 blocks: 2 pre-test blocks, a training block, and 2 post-test blocks. In the pre-test blocks, the participant drew a circle 10 times both with and without visual feedback. In the training block, the participant practiced drawing the circle with SepaRRo while receiving guiding forces that helped the participant follow the path. Following the training block, post-test blocks were performed with and without visual feedback to assess improvements in the skill. Our results indicated that training with robotic guidance improved performance of the skill in all groups. There were no differences between stroke survivors and matched controls; however, both groups improved to a lesser extent than healthy young adults. These findings indicate that haptic feedback may be an effective means to facilitate skill learning in stroke survivors.
