The title explains it pretty well, but it has been a while since we went over strokes. This article gives you a few tips to help stroke victims gain ROM.
This is a study of the effect of therapeutic exercise on function in stroke patients. It is about just exercise, without meaningful activity, but they used OT as well as PT therapists. It shows a significant gain in function for the patients who received ther-ex.
This is an evidence based report on how therapeutic occupations and activities within a CIMT (constraint induced movement therapy) approach were used with a 52-yr-old woman 4 years after having a ischemic stroke to enable her to return to her occupational role of skilled violinist.
Discover how the WalkAide changed the life of Davy (stroke survivor) by enabling him to effectively manage his Foot Drop. WalkAide is a sophisticated FDA cleared medical device that uses advanced tilt-sensor technology to analyze the movement of your leg.
I found this article, from 1998, that compared the "responsiveness" of the FIM and the Barthel Index in patients with MS and patients who had experienced stroke. The authors state that "he aim of this study is to compare the appropriateness and responsiveness of the BI and the FIM in patients with multiple sclerosis and stroke patients receiving inpatient rehabilitation."
Neurological Disorders Many illnesses target the nervous system, affecting mobility, speech and skill, just as in stroke. Rehabilitation plays a key role in providing treatment and improving symptoms. Scientists at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) conduct research across the country to study neurological disorders.
This article discusses a study/clinical trial evaluating whether stimulating the brain before rehab could yield greater gains in motor function. In this process called TMS therapy they apply an electromagnetic current to excite the brain, which they believe slows activity in the healthy area of the brain, which can become overly active after a stroke. They want to improve all aspects of the weak arm such as ROM and strength and to see at the end of the study if it would help with ADL's.
I found this website when I was looking for ideas on adaptive equipment project. There are a lot helpful tips that anybody can use to assist themselves with daily activities, such as preparing food, hygiene, computer use, bathing, etc.
This article is full of helpful information for post stroke patients. it address several potential difficulties and ways to avoid them such as, taking breaks, knowing side effects of medications you are taking and what effects they may have on your sexual performance, experimenting to see what techniques or positions work best for you and more
This website contains information on various exercises for dysphagia therapy after a stroke. These include tongue exercises, lip exercises, jaw exercises, swallowing exercises, and the steps to perform them. It also describes what dysphagia is and how it is evaluated.
This article discusses interventions that are used on a patient who has suffered from a stroke. The article also includes his FIM scores in several areas and where he needs to be in order to be discharged. It is nice seeing that in context now that we know what the scores mean.
I like the format and content of this article. The format is a chart that is easily readable and useful for both the new therapist starting out and a handy guide to give a patient. It is educational in that it reminds and teaches in a clear concise way. There are many tips for home safety and energy conservation. Enjoy!
This article made me think of My Stroke of Insight. The first few days after a stroke are so crutial and here are some important things for medical professionals to focus on.
This page from the AOTA website contains links to various topics associated with the aging adult. These are tip sheets that explain different conditions and how OT can help. These include aging in place, living with Alzheimer's, fall prevention, hip replacement, home modification, low vision, driving and stroke. In addition to the tip sheets, there are links to videos for aging in place, home modification and precautions the elderly can take to prevent falls in the home. This is a great place to look to obtain a lot of good information on a variety of problems the elderly can face and how occupational therapy can help this population.
I don't know about the rest of you but I have trouble coming up with fun and purposeful activities for older adults. I came across this webpage that has ideas on activities for dressing, activities for cancer patients, arthritis patients, stroke victims, and more. Some of the "toolkit" you have to pay for but a lot of the handouts for home exercises are free and fairly simply to understand. I feel like there is something for almost every topic we have talked about his semester.