Brain and Behavior Correlates of Arm Rehabilitation

This project is designed to use three-dimensional movement analysis and magnetic resonance (fMRI) neuroimaging techniques to examine the brain activity and motor behavior changes associated with constraint-induced (CI) therapy for patients with sub-acute stroke (3-9 months post-stroke).Participants are evaluated at 5 time points-1-mo (pre \& post), 6-mo (pre \& post), and 12-mo. Each person is randomized to receive CI therapy either between pre- and post-evaluations or after the 6-mo pre-evaluation. We will determine the effects of CI therapy on 1) reaching and grasping actions using behavioral kinematics and 2) the sensorimotor network through fMRI scans with goal-directed aiming and grasping tasks. We will also determine the relationship between lesion size and location using 3-D volumetric MRI scans and behavioral outcomes as a consequence of CI therapy.