Ankle Robotics Training in Sub-Acute Stroke Survivors: Concurrent within-Session Changes in Ankle Motor Control and Brain Electrical Activity (P01.175)

Objective: The goal of this pilot study was to assess whether a single session of ankle robot (anklebot) training would improve paretic ankle motor control with concurrent changes in brain electrical activity in sub-acute stroke survivors. Background Nearly 800,000 new cases of stroke are reported each year according to the American Heart Association, making it the leading cause of serious, long-term disability in the U.S. For many stroke survivors, hemiparetic gait and balance dysfunction are ongoing issues that limit mobility and increase energy demands for performing the activities of daily living. The ankle is a prime target for intervention because of the crucial role it plays in forward propulsion, shock absorption, and dynamic balance during locomotion. Design/Methods: Two subjects, who presented with subcortical lesions, performed ankle targeting movements in plantar/dorsiflexion and inversion/eversion ranges with robotic assistance needed, while 64 channels of EEG were collected. Results: Both subjects improved their paretic ankle motor control as indexed by increased targeting accuracy, faster speed and smoother movements. These changes were accompanied by concomitant decreases in gamma power within the motor planning region in the hemisphere contra-lateral to the paretic ankle. In addition, increased networking (beta coherence) between motor planning and visuo-spatial regions was observed in both subjects. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that a single session of anklebot training leads to short-term gains in motor control at the hemiparetic ankle that are accompanied by changes in EEG power and coherence. Increases in task relevant and regionally specific coherence have been associated with the early stages of learning. The ability to correlate single session improvements in ankle motor control with concurrent changes in brain electrical activity will allow for the development of more efficacious anklebot training interventions that may translate to gains in gait function during the early stages of stroke. Supported by: American Academy of Neurology. Disclosure: Dr. McGehrin has nothing to disclose. Dr. Roy has nothing to disclose. Dr. Goodman has nothing to disclose. Dr. Rietschel has nothing to disclose. Dr. Forrester has nothing to disclose. Dr. Bever has nothing to disclose.