Abstract: Stroke is one of the leading causes of serious long-term disability in the United States. According to statistics from 1996, the American Occupational Therapy Association reported that clients following stroke are the single largest population seen by occupational therapists in their practice. Furthermore, motor impairment of the upper extremity is one of the most common of the stroke sequelae. There is a call within the profession of occupational therapy to improve the use of evidence-based practice amongst clinicians in all areas of practice including stroke rehabilitation. In order to assure that occupational therapy services being delivered are appropriate, effective, and efficient, outcomes research related to best practice interventions need to be established. However, multiple barriers have been identified which impede effective research utilization. This doctoral project sought to identify, analyze and synthesize the current evidence related to occupational therapy interventions, which address motor impairments of the upper extremity in clients following stroke The comprehensive literature review was used to establish best practice guidelines for occupational therapists working in stroke rehabilitation. The suggested program established as part of this doctoral project consisted of a comprehensive training module for occupational therapists based on adult learning theory; implementation of a standardized motor assessment to be used to guide evaluation and treatment of clients and to later assist with program evaluation; and a decision-tree to assist therapists with identifying the most appropriate intervention to be implemented with each client. These efforts will address some of the barriers identified in establishing evidence-based practice with the primary objective being to improve client outcomes and quality of life following stroke

Learn to confidently manage the growing number of stroke rehabilitation clients with Gillen’s Stroke Rehabilitation: A Function-Based Approach, 4th Edition. Using a holistic and multidisciplinary approach, this text remains the only comprehensive, evidence-based stroke rehabilitation resource for occupational therapists. The new edition has been extensively updated with the latest information, along with more evidence-based research added to every chapter. As with previous editions, this comprehensive reference uses an application-based method that integrates background medical information, samples of functionally based evaluations, and current treatment techniques and intervention strategies. Evidence-based clinical trials and outcome studies clearly outline the basis for stroke interventions. UNIQUE! Survivor's Perspectives help readers understand the stroke rehabilitation process from the client'' point-of-view. UNIQUE! Case studies challenge readers to apply rehabilitation concepts to realistic scenarios. UNIQUE! A multidisciplinary approach highlights discipline-specific distinctions in stroke rehabilitation among occupation and physical therapists, physicians, and speech-language pathologists. Review questions in each chapter help readers assess their understanding of rehabilitation concepts. Key terms and chapter objectives at the beginning of each chapter help readers study more efficiently. Three new chapters broaden your understanding of stroke intervention in the areas of Using Technology to Improve Limb Function, Managing Speech and Language Deficits after Stroke, and Parenting after Stroke. Learning activities and interactive references on a companion Evolve Resources website help you review textbook content and locate additional information.

Chapter on polytrauma, post-traumatic stress disorder, and injuries related to the War on Terror teaches you how to provide OT services to this unique population. Content covers new advances in prosthetics and assistive technologies, and provides more up-to-date assessment and interventions for TBI problems related to cognitive and visual perception. Full-color design visually clarifies important concepts. Video clips on the companion Evolve website vividly demonstrate a variety of OT interventions.

Clinical evidence clearly demonstrates that physical therapeutic measures begun as soon as possible after a stroke, often within 24 to 48 hours, greatly increase everyday competence and quality of life. Physical Therapy for the Stroke Patient: Early Stage Rehabilitation covers all the issues that physical therapists must deal with in this critical period: assessment of patients abilities; care during the acute phase; early mobilization; effects of medication; risk factors; ethical questions; and much more. It provides complete guidelines on how to examine and treat the patient, the dosage of physical therapy required, and the key differences between early and late stage rehabilitation after stroke. Special Features Information-packed chapter on Optimizing Functional Motor Recovery after Stroke, written by J. Carr and R. Shepherd, pioneers in the field and the first to correlate motor learning and stroke recovery Case studies throughout the book offering direct, hands-on examples of evaluation and treatment methods Nearly 150 color photographs demonstrating step-by-step physical therapy techniques used in actual practice Hundreds of references to the literature that support the evidence-based approach presented in the book For all physical and occupational therapists who must answer the question, How much therapy will help my patient?, this book provides clear, well-informed answers. Not only will it increase your therapeutic skills and confidence, but it will also expand your knowledge of the medical issues and long-term outcomes for the post-stroke patients in your care.

Learn to confidently manage the growing number of stroke rehabilitation clients with Gillen's Stroke Rehabilitation: A Function-Based Approach, 4th Edition. Using a holistic and multidisciplinary approach, this text remains the only comprehensive, evidence-based stroke rehabilitation resource for occupational therapists. The new edition has been extensively updated with the latest information, along with more evidence-based research added to every chapter. As with previous editions, this comprehensive reference uses an application-based method that integrates background medical information, samples of functionally based evaluations, and current treatment techniques and intervention strategies. Evidence-based clinical trials and outcome studies clearly outline the basis for stroke interventions. UNIQUE! Survivor's Perspectives help readers understand the stroke rehabilitation process from the client'' point-of-view. UNIQUE! Case studies challenge readers to apply rehabilitation concepts to realistic scenarios. UNIQUE! A multidisciplinary approach highlights discipline-specific distinctions in stroke rehabilitation among occupation and physical therapists, physicians, and speech-language pathologists. Review questions in each chapter help readers assess their understanding of rehabilitation concepts. Key terms and chapter objectives at the beginning of each chapter help readers study more efficiently. Three new chapters broaden your understanding of stroke intervention in the areas of Using Technology to Improve Limb Function, Managing Speech and Language Deficits after Stroke, and Parenting after Stroke. Learning activities and interactive references on a companion Evolve Resources website help you review textbook content and locate additional information.

Now in its fifth edition, the internationally acclaimed Foundations for Practice in Occupational Therapy continues to provide a practical reference tool which is both an indispensable guide to undergraduates and a practical reference tool for clinicians in the application of models and theories to practice. Underlining the importance and clinical relevance of theory to practice, the text provides an excellent introduction to the theoretical basis of occupational therapy. Contributions are given by both academics and expert clinicians. All chapters have been revised and updated, new ones have been written and some pre-existing chapters have new authors. A refined structure uses highlight boxes to indicate the key themes and issues of each chapter and useful reflective questions to help the reader review the issues raised in the chapter. - Discusses evidence-based practices and established theories but also includes contemporary developments - Range of expert contributors provide an international perspective of practice - Case studies highlighting the application of theory to practice - Details of the latest developments and debates in the field - 2 chapters on the PEOP model and community-based rehabilitation - Highlight boxes throughout indicating key themes/issues - Reflective questions at the end of each chapter

This book is both an introductory text to the rehabilitation of stroke for student therapists and a reference text for qualified therapists. The layout of the book reflects these needs with Chapters 1-4 assuming a minimal level of understanding of the material. These chapters provide an introduction to the condition of stroke itself, the problern therapists face in assessing and treating stroke patients and therapeutic approaches in occu pational therapy. Prognosis of stroke is also discussed which is an issue taken up in later chapters concemed with expert systems. The use of microcomputers in occupational therapy is discussed throughout the book with particular reference to their direct role during therapy. Chapters 5-7 assume a higher level of understand ing from the reader although students will find the material useful as an insight into the work of the modern-day therapist. Chapter 5 addresses the work carried out in the area of biofeedback; Chapter 6 introduces the concept and uses of databases, and Chapter 7 discusses the versatility of microcomputers, especially in the provision of expert systems for the prognosis of stroke.

The first comprehensive text on occupational therapy management of the CVA patient! Containing the most up-to-date research on stroke rehabilitation without losing a holistic perspective, it combines aspects of background medical information, a critical review and samples of functionally based evaluations, treatment techniques and interventions. The text contains chapters on specific functional aspects of living after a stroke, such as driving, sexuality, leisure, instrumental ADL, mobility and gait, and self-care. In addition, it highlights function-based approaches to working with patients who have balance dysfunction, upper extremity impairment(s), and neurobehavioral deficits. This is an essential educational tool in several settings, including home care, hospitals, community programs and other outpatient programs and long-term care facilities. * The only comprehensive occupational therapy book on stroke that emphasizes a holistic approach to rehabilitation. * Features up-to-date coverage of all aspects of stroke rehabilitation including: evaluation, treatment, psychosocial aspects, administrative information, and documentation. * Other key topics include medical management, total quality management, learning strategies, neurobehavioral deficits, and much more. * Focuses on all disabilities in stroke rehabilitation as they relate to function. * Chapters cover the continuum of carefrom the acute setting to the home care/community-based setting. * Includes standardized evaluations that focus on disability and handicaps associated with stroke, as opposed to impairments. * Pedagogy includes: key terms, chapter objectives, review questions, COTA considerations (information specific to the COTA), suggested readings, and glossary. * Case studies appear throughout the chapters. * A useful drug reference chart specific to the medical management of stroke appears on the endsheets. * Instructor's Manual includes lab activities, test questions and teaching strategies.

Rely on this comprehensive, curriculum-spanning text and reference now and throughout your career! You’ll find everything you need to know about the rehabilitation management of adult patients… from integrating basic surgical, medical, and therapeutic interventions to how to select the most appropriate evaluation procedures, develop rehabilitation goals, and implement a treatment plan. Online you’ll find narrated, full-color video clips of patients in treatment, including the initial examination, interventions, and outcomes for a variety of the conditions commonly seen in rehabilitation settings.

A manual of proven physical therapy techniques for the early, acute phase after stroke Clinical evidence clearly demonstrates that physical therapeutic measures begun as soon as possible after a stroke, often within 24 to 48 hours, greatly increase everyday competence and quality of life. Physical Therapy for the Stroke Patient: Early Stage Rehabilitation covers all the issues that physical therapists must deal with in this critical period: assessment of patients' abilities; care during the acute phase; early mobilization; effects of medication; risk factors; ethical questions; and much more. It provides complete guidelines on how to examine and treat the patient, the "dosage" of physical therapy required, and the key differences between early and late stage rehabilitation after stroke. Special Features: Information-packed chapter on "Optimizing Functional Motor Recovery after Stroke," written by J. Carr and R. Shepherd, pioneers in the field and the first to correlate motor learning and stroke recovery Case studies throughout the book offering direct, hands-on examples of evaluation and treatment methods Nearly 150 color photographs demonstrating step-by-step physical therapy techniques used in actual practice Hundreds of references to the literature that support the evidence-based approach presented in the book This book is an invaluable resource for all physical and occupational therapists who must answer the question, "How much therapy will help my patient?" Not only will it increase your therapeutic skills and confidence, but it will also expand your knowledge of the medical issues and long-term outcomes for the post-stroke patients in your care.