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Project

Technology-assisted writing training in Parkinson's Technology-assisted writing training in Parkinson's

The basal ganglia play an important role in motor learning, especially during the consolidation phase. This raises the question whether it is possible to sustain learning increments in a neurodegenerative condition such as Parkinsons disease (PD). The aim of this study is to gain knowledge on whether it is possible to relearn skills which are actually affected by PD, such as writing, and determine whether neuroplasticity is possible. In this randomized controlled study, PD patients will either follow intensive writing training or a placebo treatment (stretch and relaxation training) during 6 weeks. The writing training will focus on automatization (withstanding dual task interference), transfer to an untrained task and retention. The placebo program is aimed to reduce stiffness in the upper limbs and has been shown to be ineffective in PD. To date, it is unknown how neural networks change as a result of consolidation after a prolonged period of motor learning in PD. Therefore the second arm of this study will investigate, for the first time, changes in neural connectivity using brain imaging data to elucidate which neuroanatomical regions are involved in consolidation of learning in PD. Finally, DTI andresting state fMRI-analysis will complement insights into the neural changes as a result of learning.

Date:1 Oct 2011 →  30 Sep 2017
Keywords:Parkinson
Disciplines:Orthopaedics, Human movement and sports sciences, Rehabilitation sciences
Project type:PhD project