regaining/retraining brain to execute coordinted hand &finger movements

Once we've confirmed that signal is getting from brain to fingers, the trick is re-learning "controlled" and "coordinated" movement. Bio-feedback training uses graphical projection to show amount of signal (measured in mega volts) brain is sending different muscles as I execute hand movements such as making a fist or signaling a stop sign. You'd be surprised how these seemingly simple operations involved "learned" movements that are stored in the "pre-motor" section of the brain.. Alas mine was fried by the stroke so I'm going to have to re-learn and store coordinated movements like tying my shoes, buttoning buttons, rolling up my sleeves etc. The experience is something like using remote control with only "go" and stop" buttons and having to learn how to steer and just how much juice to give the "go" button. Oh yeah and then there's the wrinkle of flexion(contraction) and extension (relaxing)."Go"= flexion , which with the fingers means closed. Extending the fingers uses a different set of muscles, so you have to send a "go" signal to muscles along the forearm and base of the palm to make a stop signal with your hand- sending the "go" signal to fingers themselves results in flexing the fingers like a fist to give someone knucks or a punch. At first thought, the stop sign looks like a finger movement doesn't it? Well, not so fast...

The bio feedback on the screen above shows a graph of the signal received from brain to muscles along my forearm vs signal received by muscles on the top or back of my hand. So simple even a two year old can do this- hey, just remember: it's never too late to enjoy your childhood;-)