Improved Function After Combined Physical and Mental Practice After Stroke: A Case of Hemiparesis and Apraxia.

This study describes change in functional performance and self-perception after participation in combined training with physical practice followed by mental practice. The patient was a 44-yr-old White man who experienced a single left ischemic stroke 7 mo before enrollment in the study. He engaged i...

Descripción completa

Detalles Bibliográficos
Publicado en:American Journal of Occupational Therapy Vol. 65; no. 2; pp. 161 - 169
Autores principales: Wu, Andy J., Radel, Jeff, Hanna-Pladdy, Brenda
Formato: case study research tables/charts Journal Article
Publicado: American Occupational Therapy Association Mar/Apr2011
Acceso en línea:Ver este registro en EBSCOhost
Descripción
Sumario:This study describes change in functional performance and self-perception after participation in combined training with physical practice followed by mental practice. The patient was a 44-yr-old White man who experienced a single left ischemic stroke 7 mo before enrollment in the study. He engaged in physical and mental practice of two functional tasks: (1) reaching for and grasping a cup and (2) turning pages in a book with the more-affected arm. Practice took place 3 times per week during 60-min sessions for 6 consecutive wk. Primary outcome measures were the Arm Motor Ability Test (AMAT) and the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM). An abbreviated version of the Florida Apraxia Battery gesture-to-verbal command test approximated severity of ideomotor apraxia. After intervention, the patient demonstrated increased functional performance (AMAT) and self-perception of performance (COPM) despite persistent ideomotor apraxia. The results of this single-case report indicate functional benefit from traditional rehabilitation techniques despite comorbid, persisting ideomotor apraxia.