Effects of vocalization on elbow motion during reaching in persons with hemiparetic stroke

Abstract

Aim:

To observe the effect of self-vocalization on the quality of movement of each arm during a reaching task in people with left hemiparetic stroke.

Method:

The design of this study is a single-blinded, within subject, repeated measures design. Fourteen right-handed participants with left hemiparetic stroke were requested to perform a reaching task with each arm, with and without self-vocalization. A 3-D motion analysis system measured the peak angular velocity, time to peak angular velocity, and movement unit in elbow motion.

Results:

In the unaffected dominant right arm, movements during the reaching task with vocalization were faster, smoother, and more efficient than without vocalization. The peak angular velocity (p < 0.05) and time to peak angular velocity (p > 0.05) increased. The movement unit decreased significantly (p < 0.05). However, in the affected non-dominant left arm, the movement with vocalization was slower, rougher, and less efficient. The peak angular velocity decreased (p > 0.05). Time to peak angular velocity (p < 0.05) and the movement unit increased significantly (p < 0.05).

Conclusion:

Self-vocalization provided a positive effect on reaching movement of the dominant side but a negative effect on reaching movement of the non-dominant side in right handed persons with left hemiparetic stroke.