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Implementing Brain Lateralization Research in Pediatric Online Therapy

Implementing Brain Lateralization Research in Pediatric Online Therapy

The recent study on brain lateralization in children with upper-limb reduction deficiency (ULD) provides significant insights that can be directly applied to online therapy practices. The research, published in the Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation, explores how the use of upper-limb prostheses influences brain activity and dexterity in children with ULD. This blog post will delve into the key findings of the study and suggest practical ways for therapists to incorporate these insights into their practice.

Understanding Brain Lateralization in ULD

The study involved five children with ULD and five typically developing (TD) children. Both groups performed a gross manual dexterity task while their brain activity was measured using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). The key finding was that children with ULD exhibited significant activation in the ipsilateral motor cortex (the same side as the affected limb) when using a prosthesis, unlike the TD children who showed contralateral (opposite side) activation.

Implications for Online Therapy

Understanding these neural mechanisms can help therapists develop more effective intervention strategies. Here are some practical applications:

Encouraging Further Research

While the study provides valuable insights, it also highlights the need for further research. Therapists are encouraged to stay updated with ongoing studies and consider participating in research initiatives. This will not only enhance their practice but also contribute to the broader understanding of ULD and its treatment.

To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Brain lateralization in children with upper-limb reduction deficiency.


Citation: Zuniga, J. M., Pierce, J. E., Copeland, C., Cortes-Reyes, C., Salazar, D., Wang, Y., Arun, K. M., & Huppert, T. (2021). Brain lateralization in children with upper-limb reduction deficiency. Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation, 18(1), 24. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12984-020-00803-1
Marnee Brick, President, TinyEYE Therapy Services

Author's Note: Marnee Brick, TinyEYE President, and her team collaborate to create our blogs. They share their insights and expertise in the field of Speech-Language Pathology, Online Therapy Services and Academic Research.

Connect with Marnee on LinkedIn to stay updated on the latest in Speech-Language Pathology and Online Therapy Services.

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