Ryosuke Yamamoto

By Shun Sawai, Shoya Fujikawa, Ryosuke Yamamoto and Hideki Nakano

Attention focus plays an essential role in promoting motor performance and motor learning. There are two types of attention focus: internal focus and external focus. Internal focus refers to direct attention inside the body while external focus refers to direct attention outside the body. Several studies have reported that external focus positively affects motor performance and motor learning by promoting automatic control. The mechanisms of attention focus have been examined using electromyography (EMG), electroencephalography (EEG), and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). During rehabilitation, therapists promote patients’ movement acquisition and motor learning. This chapter reviews the application of attention focus in rehabilitation to promote motor performance and motor learning in patients.

Part of the book: Neurorehabilitation and Physical Therapy

By Ryu Ushio, Kousuke Tamura, Shoya Fujikawa, Chihiro Ohsumi, Shun Sawai, Ryosuke Yamamoto and Hideki Nakano

Repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation (rPMS) is a noninvasive method involving the repetitive magnetic stimulation of peripheral nerves and muscles. Recently, its potential as a new neuromodulation technique for sensory motor disorders has been recognized. Its advantages include less pain than with electrical stimulation and that neuromuscular stimulation can be performed over clothing. These advantages make it a practical and straightforward adjunct tool widely used in clinical practice. In particular, the combination of rPMS and general rehabilitation reportedly promotes functional improvement in stroke patients with difficult involuntary contractions. This chapter reviews rPMS and its potential clinical applications in rehabilitation.

Part of the book: Neurorehabilitation and Physical Therapy

By Shoya Fujikawa, Chihiro Ohsumi, Ryu Ushio, Kousuke Tamura, Shun Sawai, Ryosuke Yamamoto and Hideki Nakano

Improving standing posture balance is an essential role of rehabilitation to prevent falls in the elderly and stroke victims. Recently, motor imagery has been reported to be an effective method to improve standing posture balance. Motor imagery is a simulation of a movement in the brain without actual movement. Motor imagery is believed to have a common neural basis with actual movement and is effective in reconstructing motor functions. Recently, it has also been shown that motor imagery can be enhanced through use in combination with neuromodulation techniques. In this chapter, motor imagery contributing to the improvement of standing postural balance and its combination with neuromodulation techniques are reviewed.

Part of the book: Neurorehabilitation and Physical Therapy