Sensorimotor integration in the hand

Investigators : Mrs Tamara Clements. Prof Mary Galea, Prof Tony Goodwin, Dr Heather Wheat

The purpose of this project is to investigate some of the mechanisms underlying sensorimotor integration in the hand, through observation of performance of a simple manipulative task.   The hand is the primary way by which we interact with the environment.   Through exploration and manipulation of everyday objects, we are able to learn about our environment and perform essential tasks. This project will explore the mechanisms of sensorimotor integration in subjects with central or peripheral nervous system injury using a simple grasp and lift task.

Subjects being recruited for this project have either suffered a first time stroke or have a diagnosed peripheral neuropathy affecting the hands. Clinical assessments of neurological function (sensory, motor and functional tasks) will be performed. Subjects will then be asked to grasp a test object using a precision grip, lift it approximately 5cms vertically and hold it in this position for approximately 5 seconds before gently replacing the object back on the table and releasing their grip (Fig. 1).   Characteristics of the test object, such as the weight, curvature and texture will be systematically varied between lifting trials.

Information about force generation at the fingertips is collected from two highly sensitive strain gauge transducers located within the grasping surfaces of the test object at a rate of 100 Hz.   This is processed using an LV-WIN DAQ system and a transportable laptop computer.   Forces recorded are the grip force, loading force and minimum force required to prevent the object dropping.

Figure 1 .

A . Illustration of the test object with force transducers.

B . Curvature of the grasp surfaces will be systematically varied during performance of the task

C . Examples of the relationship between load and grip forces applied by healthy subjects

Back to Upper Limb Function Index