Motor control considerations for assessment and rehabilitation of movement disorders

Recent udvances in the study of motor control have, as yet, had little impact on the jield of neuromotor rehabilitation. This chapter reviews motor control issues relevant to assessment and rehabilitation of movement disorders. A theoretical pame work for the processes responsible for skilled actions is elaborated with particular emphasis on organisation, control and coordination of actions involving the upper limb. The chapter draws together empirical studies describing spatiotemporal characteristics of both pathological and non-pathological actions involving prehension and object manipulation. Evidence is presented for atypical limb trajectories in one apraxic subject. Implications for the use of kinematic measures for clinical assessment, monitoring recovery and establishing strategies for restoration of normal movement patterns are discussed. © 1992, Elsevier Science & Technology. All rights reserved.