Article

Deficiencies in upper-limb motor function and executive functioning can
compromise an affected individual's ability to complete everyday activities.
Impaired motor and executive functioning therefore pose a risk to increasing
numbers of veterans who have been diagnosed with acquired brain injury. This
article reports on changes in upper-limb motor function and executive functioning
of 12 adult participants with chronic acquired brain injury using a novel,
computer-based, motor and cognitive rehabilitation program called PreMotor
Exercise Games (PEGs). Manual muscle, goniometric range of motion, and
dynamometer assessments were used to determine motor functioning while the
Executive Function Performance Test measured cognitive functioning. A three-level
repeated measures design was conducted to determine changes pre- and
postintervention. Participants demonstrated significant improvement in shoulder
(p = 0.01) and wrist (p = 0.01) range of motion and clinically relevant
improvement for elbow range of motion. Participants demonstrated clinically
relevant improvement in shoulder, elbow, and wrist strength. Finally,
participants demonstrated significant improvement in executive functioning (p <
0.05). Using PEGs as a modality for both motor and cognitive intervention is a
potentially beneficial adjunct to rehabilitation and warrants further study.

Langue : ANGLAIS