Sensorimotor Control of Grasping
Physiology and Pathophysiology

Provides a contemporary summary of the physiology and pathophysiology of the manipulative and exploratory functions of the human hand.

Dennis A. Nowak (Edited by), Joachim Hermsdörfer (Edited by)

9780521881579, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 25 June 2009

524 pages, 31 b/w illus. 14 colour illus.
25.4 x 17.9 x 2.8 cm, 1.2 kg

The human hand can take on a huge variety of shapes and functions, providing its owner with a powerful hammer at one time or a delicate pair of forceps at another. The universal utility of the hand is even more enhanced by the ability to amplify the function of the hand by using tools. To understand and appreciate how the human brain controls movements of the hand, it is important to investigate both the healthy motor behaviour and dysfunction during everyday manipulative tasks. This book provides a contemporary summary of the physiology and pathophysiology of the manipulative and exploratory functions of the human hand. With contributions from scientists and clinical researchers of biomechanics, kinesiology, neurophysiology, psychology, physical medicine and rehabilitation, it covers the development of healthy human grasping over the lifespan, the wide spectrum of disability in the pathological state and links basic motor research with modern brain sciences.

Part I. Methodology: 1. Analysis of grip forces during object manipulation J. Hermsdörfer
2. Kinematic assessment of grasping U. Castiello and C. Ansuini
3. Digit forces in multi-digit grasps V. M. Zatsiorsky and M. Latash
4. Recordings from the motor cortex during skilled grasping T. Brochier and R. Lemon
5. Recording of EMG activity in the monkey during skilled grasping T. Brochier and R. Lemon
6. Transcranial magnetic stimulation investigations of reaching and grasping movements G. Koch and R. C. Rothwell
7. Neuroimaging of grasping H. H. Ehrsson
8. fMRI studies of the basal ganglia and precision grip M. B. Spraker, D. M. Corcos and D. E. Vaillancourt
9. Models for the control of grasping E. Oztop and M. Kawato
Part II. The Physiology of Grasping: 10. The study of hand movements during grasping: a historical perspective M. Jeannerod
11. Sensory control of object manipulation R. S. Johansson and R. S. Flanagan
12. Predictive mechanisms and object representations used in object manipulation R. S. Flanagan, K. Merrit and R. S. Johansson
13. The neurohaptic control of the hand A. Smith
14. Points for precision grip A. M. Wing and S. J. Lederman
15. Two hands in object oriented action S. Endo, A. M. Wing and M. Bracewell
16. Dynamic grasp control during gait P. Gysin, T. R. Kaminski and A. M. Gordon
17. Development of grasping and object manipulation B. Vollmer and H. Forssberg
18. The effects of ageing on sensorimotor control of the hand K. Cole
Part III. The Pathophysiology of Grasping: 19. Somatosensory disorders J. Hermsdörfer and D. A. Nowak
20. Multi-digit grasping and manipulation: effect of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome on force coordination J. A. Johnston and M. Santello
21. Stroke C. Lang and M. Schieber
22. Prehension characteristics in Parkinson's disease T. S. Flink and G. E. Stelmach
23. Grip force analysis in Huntington's disease – a biomarker for clinical trials? R. Reilmann
24. Traumatic brain injury J. Kuhtz-Buschbeck
25. Focal hand dystonia S. Prio Richardson and M. Hallett
26. Cerebellar disorders M. Manto and D. A. Nowak
27. Tremor L. Timmermann, J. Raethjen and G. Deuschl
28. Schizophrenia D. A. Nowak
Part IV. Therapy of Impaired Grasping: 29. Stroke therapy D. A. Nowak and J. Hermsdörfer
30. Functional reorganisation and neuromodulation, C. Grefkes and G. R. Fink
31. Intensive training of upper extremity function in children with cerebral palsy A. M. Gordon and K. M. Friel
32. Therapy of sensorimotor dysfunction of the hand in Parkinson's disease R. Wenzelburger
33. Therapy of focal hand dystonia K. Zeuner, B. Baur and H. R. Siebner
34. Therapy of idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus D. A Nowak.

Subject Areas: Neurosciences [PSAN], Biomedical engineering [MQW], Neurology & clinical neurophysiology [MJN]