Occupational Therapy

in the Physical Rehabilitation

of Stroke Patients

Judy Yang, MS, OTR/L

Occupational Therapist

What is Occupational Therapy (O.T.)?
Occupation = meaningful activity

Occupational therapists treat people across the lifespan (from

premature infant to older adult) to promote development,
recover skills impacted by injury, and increase independence
and ability to participate and return to meaningful activities.

Remediation of underlying deficit performance skills: strength,

range of motion (ROM), motor control, cognition

Compensation: Adaptation of task or environment

OTs work with Physical Therapists, Speech Therapists, and

other rehabilitative specialists in a physical rehab setting.
OT Improves Functional Independence

ADLs: Activities of Daily Living

Basic self-care, bed mobility, transfers

IADLs: Instrumental Activities of Daily Living

Home management, community mobility, medication
management, driving
Work, hobbies, life roles

Effectiveness of OT is well-documented
What Medical Conditions do
Occupational Therapists Treat?
Neurological

Orthopedic

Sports Medicine

Burns/Plastics

Cancer

Rheumatology

Cardiac
Contexts of Care
Acute

Inpatient Rehab

Sub-acute Rehab/Skilled Nursing Facility

Home Health

Outpatient

School

Specialty Clinics
What is Stroke?
Stroke or Cerebral Vascular Accident (CVA) is a sudden onset
of weakness or other neurological symptoms as a result of
injury to a blood vessel in the brain.

Interruption in blood flow so that adequate supplies of oxygen

and other nutrients fail to reach portions of the brain.
Symptoms:
Sudden blurred or decreased vision
Numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg on one side of the
body
Difficulty with speech (receptive, expressive)
Severe headache of sudden onset
 Types of Stroke
Hemorrhage: rupture of a
cerebral blood vessel
Causes 10-20% of strokes
Most fatal

Ischemia: blockage of a cerebral

blood vessel. 80-90% of strokes.
1) Thrombosis: Most common;
stenosis or occlusion of vessel
usually from atherosclerosis.
2) Embolism: Dislodged platelets

Floydmemorial.com/healthscope/understanding-stroke-the-basics/
Stroke Statistics
Stroke is the 3rd leading cause of death in the U.S.
3 million stroke survivors in the U.S. 70% with
significant functional disability. (Churchill, 1998)
Most common cause of chronic disability
Most common medical diagnosis treated by OTs
Risk Factors
Hypertension Cocaine use

Cardiac Disease Age

Diabetes Gender M>F

Smoking Race (African American,

Hispanic)
Alcohol abuse
Family History
High Cholesterol

TIAs transcient ischemic

attacks
Prognosis
Type of stroke
Size
Location
Age
Pre-existing conditions

Time Frame for Recovery:

1 year: most rapid recovery
1-5 years: slower improvement
5 years +: continued improvement
2/3 achieve independence in basic ADL (Jorgensen et al., 1995)

 International Classification of
Functioning, Disability, & Health

Source: WHO 2001:18

OT Initial Evaluation
OT Referral & Chart Review Problem Solving
Safety Awareness
Hemodynamics: BP, HR, RR,
SaO2 in 2 positions (supine, Insight
sit/stand) and after activity.
Vision/Perception
Activity tolerance.
Ocular Motor
Cognition Visual Fields
Orientation Double Simultaneous
Attention Stimulation
Initiation Spatial Awareness
Memory Praxis
Organization
Lobe Specific Functions of the Brain

http://www.mayfieldclinic.com/PE-TBI.htm
 OT Evaluation & Treatment:
Functional Independence Measure (FIM)
Swallowing

Self-feeding

Bathing

Dressing

Grooming

Toileting

Bladder/bowel management

Toilet, Tub, Bed to chair,

Wheelchair transfers

Cognitive: comprehension,
expression, social interaction,
problem solving, memory
 Sit/Stand Balance (with or without
UE support)

Tone Assessment

Bed Mobility
Rolling
Scoot Laterally
Scoot Up/down
Supine to sit
Bed to chair
Sit to stand
 Edema

Coordination

Pain

Postural appearance

Sensation for the UE

Light touch, Sharp/dull, proprioception (Joint and position sense),
Kinesthesia

Upper Extremity Control: Active/passive ROM, Strength

Manual Muscle Test or Functional Muscle Test throughout UE
Hand testing, dominance

Instrumental Activities of Daily Living:
Assessment of Living Skills and Resources (ALSAR)

Telephone use Meal prep

Reading Laundering

Leisure Cleaning

Medication Management Home maintenance

Money Management

Transportation

Shopping
 Orthotics/Prosthetics

Adaptive Equipment

OT Problems

OT Assessment

OT Plan

OT Goals
Long term: to be met by discharge
Short term: one week

Discharge Recommendation
Neurological Impairments of Stroke
& Effects on Occupational Function
Hemiplegia or hemiparesis:
Paralysis or weakness contralateral
to the side of the brain affected.
Impaired trunk control and
postural adaptation, decreased
upper extremity function and
hand use, decreased
independence in ADL & IADLs.

http://assets.bizjournals.com/story_image/112502-0-0-2.jpg
Neurological Impairments: Spasticity
Tone: Amount of tension a muscle has at rest.
Spasticity: Increased, involuntary, velocity-dependent
resistance to passive stretch.

Ashworth Scale/Modified Ashworth: from 0-4 (normal

to rigid)

Affects 20-50% of stroke survivors

Treatment for the upper extremity (UE) MUST

include appropriate therapy

No correlation between spasticity and movement per www.strokeassociation.org

studies (Sahrman & Norton (Ann Neurol, 1977),
Fellows & Thilmann (Ann Neurol, 1994), Wolf et al.
(Phys. Ther, 1994), Levin, MF (Brain, 1996).
Tone reduction AND strengthening weak muscles leads
to change at the movement and activity level.
 Therapy for Spasticity
Maintain length of Soft Tissues/Prevent
Contractures
Splinting/orthotics (static, static
progressive & dynamic)
Soft Tissue/Joint Mobilization
Active range of motion exercises and
passive stretching within safe range
according to recovery stage
Strengthen especially weak agonist
muscles. NO negative effect on spasticity
(Badics, et al. 2002, Sterr & Freivogel,
2004).

Gillen, G. (2004) Stroke Rehabilitation: A Function-Based Approach

Myboonehealth.com
www.ncmedical.com
Jupiterimages/Creatas/Getty Images
 Guided specific use of motor control, functional patterns

Controlled pace, slow, no excessive effort

No repetitive compensations

Prevent injury & painful syndromes

Gillen, G. (2004) Stroke Rehabilitation: A Function-Based Approach

 Trunk Control
Biomechanics: Trunk malalignment,
lateral flexion of trunk, posterior pelvic
tilt, kyphosis, secondary UE problems.

Postural Control: task-oriented, goal-

directed movement.
Static reach: Stabilize trunk using UE
support; work in close range
Dynamic reach: Working beyond arms
length.

Retraining Postural Control

Targeting different types of muscle

contractions, movement patterns.

 Trunk Movements & Weight Shifts

-Reach past arms length -Reach past arms length -Reach to floor
-Trunk extension -Concentric: L lateral flexors -Eccentric: L lateral flexors
-Anterior Pelvic Tilt -Weight shift R -Weight shift R
-Fx: Grooming tasks -Fx: LE Dressing, Retrieval

Gillen, G. (2004) Stroke Rehabilitation: A Function-Based Approach

-Behind R, arms length -Cross body to L -Above head, behind
-Trunk Ext, Rotation -Trunk Ext, Rotation -Trunk Ext
-Weight Shift R -Weight Shift L -Weight Shift Posterior
-Back Extensors -Big Eccentric for Abs
-Fx: Bathing -Fx: Dressing, seated
transfers: car, tub

Gillen, G. (2004) Stroke Rehabilitation: A Function-Based Approach

 Neurological Shoulder
Trunk/Proximal stability needed for
UE movement, proper scapula
alignment & stability
Early Subluxation -> Instability, pain,
and impingement at 90 degrees
Shoulder pain is PREVENTABLE

Scapula Malalignment due to:

Trunk Malalignment
Weakness
Muscle Imbalance around scapula

Gillen, G. (2004) Stroke Rehabilitation: A Function-Based Approach

 Shoulder Subluxation
Subluxation Patterns:
Inferior
Anterior
Superior

Minimize sling use to avoid secondary

complications

Positioning and supports

Other supports for Inferior Subluxation:

Hand in pocket, tucked in messenger bag

Mechanically safe exercises to begin

activating scapular muscles
www.stroke4carers.org
 No Association with Shoulder Pain
Spasticity

Subluxation:
IKAI, et. al (AJPMR, 1998) and many other studies

www.stroke-rehab.com/shoulder-subluxation.html
Homeafterstroke.blogspot.com
Factors Associated with Shoulder Pain
Decreased Passive Range of Motion (PROM) in Shoulder
External Rotation

Impingement, trauma in subacromial space

Shoulder-Hand Syndrome

Inappropriate intervention

Inappropriate handling/assist during ADLs & transfers

Preventative Intervention
Teach patients family External Rotation (ER) at 0 degrees
Abduction. No risk for impingement (mechanically safe)

Monitor ER from day #1.

AVOID poor mechanics:

www.orthop.washington.edu
NO overhead pulleys for neurological patients!
NO bilateral upper extremity (UE) clasped hand ROM overhead.
Appropriate use of UE skateboard (slow & controlled, NO trunk)
Teach patients family mechanically safe transfer.

Gillen, G. (2004) Stroke Rehabilitation: A Function-Based Approach

Treating the Neurological Shoulder
Prevent Adhesive Capsulitis & Impingement Syndromes

External Rotation, External Rotation, External Rotation!

Scapula Mobilization

Overhead ROM >70 degrees ONLY if have scapula glide into

upward rotation and passive ER.

No pain during exercise or activity

Edema control
Initial Biomechanically Safe Exercises
for the Neurological Shoulder
Table-assisted ROM: scapulothoracic glide

Cradle Arm: to 70 degrees, rock for

scapulohumeral glide

Codmans: helps tone management also

Self ROM for ER

Scapula Roll Over

Positioning at rest is important

Gillen, G. (2004) Stroke Rehabilitation: A Function-Based Approach

 Regaining Motor Control
Closed chain Weight-Bearing on
Forearm or Hand
Active Assistive range of motion
(AAROM), supported reach
Ex. UE on table; wiping counter

Reach into space

Graded difficulty using gravity and
amount of support
ADL task-oriented treatment
www.stroke-rehab.com
ROM, strengthening, & fine motor
activities to improve grasp, hand
control and manipulation skills. www.webmd.com

Adjunctive Treatments Supported by
Research
Functional Electrical Stimulation: low
frequency e-stim for neuromuscular re-
education, reduce shoulder subluxation.
Questionable for activity level.
Mental Practice or Imagery: Activate the
cortex and muscles that correlates with
imagined movement. Brain areas are
activated during both the movement and
while imagining limb movements.
Bilateral UE movement training: both sides
doing same movement; combine with
sensory feedback/rhythmic cues.

Gillen, G. (2004) Stroke Rehabilitation: A Function-Based Approach

 Mirror Therapy: Look at mirror and
imagine affected side functioning
promoted distal function, improve surface
sense, improved hemi-neglect.
Yavuzer et al, 2008, Dohle et al. 2009
Imaging studies showed greater cortical
representation for affected UE

Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy:

Counters learned nonuse. Constraint of
stronger hand.
Substantial improvements in functional use.

Gillen, G. (2004) Stroke Rehabilitation: A Function-Based Approach

www.beaumont.edu/mirror-box-therapy-helps-stroke-patients-get-better-faster/
www.uab.edu
Cognition & Perception Treatment
Attention, Orientation & Memory
Change environment to support/challenge sustained,
alternating, divided attention

Orientation: calendars, memory books, cue cards

Memory
Internal Aids: Rehearsal, visual imagery, semantic elaboration
(story), motor routines
External Aids: notebooks, calendars, lists

Gillen, G. (2004) Stroke Rehabilitation: A Function-Based Approach

Problem Solving
Observation of patient during tasks and strategies such as:

Chaining: activity broken down into component parts

Patient identifies errors and solutions

Cues as needed

Written steps to improve memory

www.webmd.com
Visual Hemi-Inattention/Neglect
Decreased awareness of body, environment; ability to attend and
adapt.
Impaired ADLs, navigating environment, safety

Right Hemisphere CVA:

Treatment
Scanning Training

Tactile stimulation

Cognitive compensation

Environmental compensation

Gillen, G. (2004) Stroke Rehabilitation: A Function-Based Approach

Apraxia
Praxis: Ability to motor plan

Apraxia: Inability to carry out purposeful movement while

having intact sensation, movement, and coordination

Ideomotor apraxia: Able to perform spontaneously but not on

verbal command. Mistaken by caregivers as passive
aggressiveness.

Ideational apraxia: Difficulty sequencing motor actions. Ex.

doesnt remember which utensil to use.

Gillen, G. (2004) Stroke Rehabilitation: A Function-Based Approach

Apraxia Treatment
Gross motor tasks with tactile, kinesthetic, and proprioceptive
stimulation

Manual cues or guiding UE through task

Chaining

Talking through task steps

A lot of sensory input

Perform task in natural environment, especially ideomotor

apraxia (fails on verbal command).

Gillen, G. (2004) Stroke Rehabilitation: A Function-Based Approach

References
Badics, et al. 2002. Systematic muscle building exercises in the
rehabilitation of stroke patients. NeuroRehabilitation 2002:17:3.

Churchill C. Social problems post acute stroke. Phys Med Rehabil State of
the Art Rev 1998:7:213-24.

Dohle et al. 2009. Mirror therapy promotes recovery from severe

hemiparesis: a randomized controlled trial. Neurorehabil Neural Repair
2009:23(3):209-17.

Fellows & Thilmann. Voluntary movement at the elbow in spastic

hemiparesis. Ann Neurol 1994:36(3):397-407

Gillen, G. (2004) Stroke Rehabilitation: A Function-Based Approach

IKAI, et. al. Evaluation and treatment of shoulder subluxation in

hemiplegia: relationship between subluxation and pain. Am J Phys Med
Rehabil. 1998:77(5):421-6.

Levin, MF. Interjoint coordination during pointing movements is
disrupted in spastic hemiparesis. Brain 1996:119:281-93.

Sahrman & Norton. The relationship of voluntary movement to

spasticity in the upper motor neuron syndrome. Ann Neurol 1977:2(6):
460-5.

Sterr & Freivogel. Intensive training in chronic upper limb hemiparesis

does not increase spasticity or synergies. Neurology 2004:63(11):2176-7.

Wolf et al. Overcoming limitations in elbow movement in the presence

of antagonist hyperactivity. Phys Ther. 1994:74(9):826-35.

Yavuzer et al. Mirror therapy improves hand function in subacute

stroke: a randomized controlled trial. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2008:89(3):
393-8.