#7241 REC The Neurologic Upper Extremity Part I: Examination to Optimize Function

Course overview

Research indicates that the amount of arm use may depend on residual impairment related to the location, extent, and type of functional gains for upper extremity (UE). Furthermore, stroke specific UE recovery is directly correlated to a persons age and lesion severity (stroke volume, time without oxygen and location). Therapy practitioners know that the neurologically impaired UE displays the most impairment and demonstrates the least return for functional activity. In part one of this two course series, participants analyze UE neurologic movement dysfunction from the lens of impairment at the body structure/function, activity, and participation levels. Examination includes the person (base of support/trunk) as precursors to UE function, task (sensorimotor requirements), and environment (external support/structures for optimum function). Evaluation of data from test/assessments and or outcome measures to address motor dysfunction (synergies included), tone, spasticity, sensory dysfunction, subluxation will set the stage for prioritizing impairments. Thereafter, interventions will be introduced via the concepts of restoration, compensation, and prevention and the clinical framework to deliver the interventions. Part two of this series focuses on implementation of interventions for the management of the neurologically impaired UE. Course instruction methods include lecture, demonstration via pictures and videos, case studies (written/video), group discussions and question and answer.