Effect of Short-term Motor Training on Accuracy and Precision of Knee Movement in Human With and Without Knee Pain
Effect of Short-term Motor Training on Accuracy and Precision of Knee Movement in Human With and Without Knee Pain
The objects of this research are to investigate the ability of the motor learning and test the possible differences between younger and older healthy human, and between non-pain and acute experimental pain and chronic clinical pain conditions.
The project consists of four experimental studies. In the first experiment, younger and older healthy human subjects are involved in a short-term neuromuscular training on the accuracy and precision of knee movement to investigate the possible age effect of the motor learning. The second experiment focuses on the experimental pain on the learning effect of the younger subjects. The third experiment will investigate a group of knee osteoarthritis patients to show the influence of chronic pain on the motor training compared with age-, gender-matched pain free subjects. 3D camera tracking system will be used to record the knee movements at the baseline and after 6-day motor task training. The variability in amplitude of the values of knee movements was transformed to percentage in relation to the target position (accuracy) or to the mean position (precision). The results of the study will contribute to both basic and clinical understanding of the mechanisms related to knee movement control and influences of varies painful conditions.
Inclusion Criteria:
• Aged 18-30 or 50-65 years
Exclusion Criteria:
• Pregnancy or intent to become pregnant, breast feeding