International Journal of Neurorehabilitation

Michiko Yoshie

Publications

• Research Article
  Slow-Down Exercise Reverses Sensorimotor Reorganization in Focal Hand Dystonia: A Case Study of a Pianist
  Author(s): Michiko Yoshie, Naotaka Sakai, Tatsuyuki Ohtsuki and Kazutoshi KudoMichiko Yoshie, Naotaka Sakai, Tatsuyuki Ohtsuki and Kazutoshi Kudo
  
  Focal hand dystonia in musicians, which is characterized by involuntary flexion and/or extension of fingers while playing musical instruments, is a disabling neurological disorder that can even threaten their careers. The present study investigated whether or how a non-invasive intervention for focal hand dystonia called “slow-down exercise” affects motor performance, muscular activity, and somatosensation in a dystonic pianist. The patient was asked to performa simple five-finger exercise at three different tempi on a digital piano, just prior to, 1, 2, 3, 6, and 12 months after the onset of the slow-down exercise training. As the rehabilitation proceeded, the patient improved the regularity of piano keystrokes, as objectively quantified using musical instrument digital interface signals. Measurements of surface electromyographic activity from the forearm muscles demonstr.. Read More»
  DOI: 10.4172/2376-0281.1000157

  Abstract PDF