Effect of visual feedback on voluntary finger movement

Abstract

Visual feedback is very common technique for rehabilitation. In this study, the effects of visual feedback on voluntary finger movement were examined by functional MRI, and the activated distribution of the cortical area was also examined. In addition, the results of subjects were compared between eyes closed and eyes open with checking of their own movement in the mirror. The activated distribution of the ipsilateral sensory motor area tended to be enlarged when subjects had their eyes open during the assignment. In addition to the occipital area, the frontal, parietal and temporal areas also tended to be more active with visual feedback. Moreover, bilateral brain activation was also increased when there was visual feedback. In conclusion, visual feedback is considered to be helpful for improving physical exercise in rehabilitation because visual feedback possibly develops the activated distribution of the sensory motor area.