Evidence-Based Guidelines in Workers’ Compensation
Gregory T. Carter, MD, MS, Editor I want to extend my sincerest thanks to the editors of this issue of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinics of North America , Drs…
Tailoring Brain Stimulation to the Nature of Rehabilitative Therapies in Stroke
Key points • Noninvasive brain stimulation is typically paired with unilateral therapies of the upper limb. • Many recent clinical trials have failed to augment rehabilitative outcomes, especially for patients…
Robotic Therapy and the Paradox of the Diminishing Number of Degrees of Freedom
There has been remarkable growth in the development and application of robotics to ameliorate or remediate impairment. This growth is associated with a) the understanding that plasticity is a fundamental…
Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation for Motor Restoration in Hemiplegia
This article reviews the most common therapeutic and neuroprosthetic applications of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) for upper and lower extremity stroke rehabilitation. Fundamental NMES principles and purposes in stroke rehabilitation…
Poststroke Communication Disorders and Dysphagia
Communication and swallowing disorders are common after stroke. Targeted surveillance followed by prompt evaluation and treatment is of paramount importance. The overall goals of rehabilitation for impaired swallowing and communication…
Stroke Rehabilitation Using Virtual Environments
This review covers the rationale, mechanisms, and availability of commercially available virtual environment-based interventions for stroke rehabilitation. It describes interventions for motor, speech, cognitive, and sensory dysfunction. Also discussed are…
The Split-Belt Walking Paradigm
Key points • The split-belt paradigm can be used to examine motor learning or potentially as a rehabilitation intervention after stroke. • After stroke, patients retain the ability to adapt…
Integrating Mental Practice with Task-specific Training and Behavioral Supports in Poststroke Rehabilitation
Stroke remains a leading cause of death, with most survivors experiencing long-term deficits in motor function. Upper extremity (UE) hemiparesis constitutes one of the most common and disabling poststroke impairments….
Hemiparetic Gait
The most common pattern of walking impairment poststroke is hemiparetic gait, which is characterized by asymmetry associated with an extensor synergy pattern of hip extension and adduction, knee extension, and…
Neuropharmacology of Poststroke Motor and Speech Recovery
Almost 7 million adult Americans have had a stroke. There is a growing need for more effective treatment options as add-ons to conventional therapies. This article summarizes the published literature…
