After a stroke, patients may experience decreased awareness of their side, such as the left side of either themself or their environment. One way to increase awareness, which is quite intuitive actually, is to place objects, environment, basically stimuli (this includes sounds, lights, etc.) on the side of their deficit. This is often their left … Read more
Research has shown Graded Motor Imagery (GMI) to be an effective adjunctive approach for conditions such as stroke. One difficulty that patients who have had a stroke experience is difficulty with left vs. right discrimination, e.g., differentiating between a left hand from a right hand. Stage 1 of 3 for GMI consists of left vs. … Read more
Introduction One common sequela of stroke is difficulty performing movements due to spasticity or increased muscle tone. More severe cases of spasticity may result in limited functional independence of daily activities such as ADLs of eating, bathing, toileting, dressing, bathing, and grooming (ADLs). Spasticity has been defined differently, but one common definition is marked by … Read more
Hi friends, I have created a resource meant to be watched and followed along directly by patients after a stroke. It’s a video playlist library that goes over stroke rehab from the very basics of bed mobility to ADLs to exercise and more for occupational therapy. More videos will be added and I hope this … Read more
One of the most effective interventions occupational therapists can use for trunk rehabilitation is ADLs, IADLs, and mobility tasks. Often after a stroke, there is a loss of trunk control and subsequently a loss of functional independence. Hsieh and colleagues found a strong correlation between how trunk control can be an early predictor of comprehensive … Read more
Stroke survivors may have changes in their participation of activities that they usually do and that are meaningful to them. This depends on the extent of the stroke, prior levels of function, other changes after stroke, physical factors, and mental factors. Measures such as the Stroke Impact Scale (SIS) can provide insight into the patient’s … Read more
This guide provides some ideas and insights into occupational therapy intervention for oral care after a stroke in the hospital (acute care, acute rehab). Barriers Pain: generalized, involved limbs Dizziness: from vision, medications Poor balance Motivation, Depression Vision and perception: inattention, neglect, field cut Proprioception Hemiparesis Tone: hypo- or hypertonicity Sensation: impaired Attention: short Memory: … Read more
This article features the most common kinds of apraxia associated with occupational therapy, prognosis, and treatment. About Apraxia Apraxia is a neurological disorder that is characterized by the loss of the ability to carry out skilled movements. There is usually no loss of motivation or physical ability to perform these movements. Dyspraxia is a mild … Read more
Equipment & Supplies Wheelchair with necessary pieces (including anti-tippers) W/C arm trough Hemi-arm sling Drop-arm Commode Fall risk armband Grippy socks Eye-patching for diplopia Shower set-up and DME Sara Stedy Hoyer lift Splints Built-up utensils Theraputty Earplugs Diary (pain, sleep, symptoms) Environment Signage for safety and recommendations, e.g. arm sling during transfers. Wheelchair and bed … Read more
10 Meter Walk Test 2 Minute Walk Test 30 Second Sit to Stand Test 360 Degree Turn Test 6 Minute Walk Test Baecke Physical Activity Questionnaire Barthel Index / Modified Barthel Index Berg Balance Scale Borg Rating Scale of Perceived Exertion Braden Scale Brief Cognitive Rating Scale Caregiver Strain Index Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction … Read more