The rehabilitation of motor and cognitive disorders after stroke

Sampanis, Dimitrios S. (2014). The rehabilitation of motor and cognitive disorders after stroke. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

Following a stroke there can be a large range of different deficits, with poor motor function and cognition being particularly important for outcome. Rehabilitation of these deficits is thus an important priority for clinicians. In this thesis, I present 5 experimental chapters aiming to generate cognitive and motor benefits for the stroke survivor. In Chapter 2, prolonged Mirror Therapy was applied to chronic stroke survivors. In Chapter 3, Mirror Therapy was applied in a home based for chronic stroke survivors. In both these Chapters 2 and 3 benefits in unimanual performance of the affected limb and functional improvements of daily activities are being reported. Chapter 4 considered the application of Mirror Therapy to early subacute stroke participants and tested the neural correlates behind any effect. Changes in brain activation within both the ipsi- and contralesional hemispheres were noted. Functional Electrical Stimulation was applied to chronic stroke patients in Chapter 5. Improvements in motor performance were noted, along with the amelioration of visuomotor neglect. Linked changes in activity in the ipsi- and contralesional hemispheres were again noted. Finally, in Chapter 6, Computer Progressive Attention Training was applied in early subacute stroke patients, comparing performance with patients who received no extra intervention. Importantly, the training not only improved the tested functions but also other cognitive processes not targeted in training (e.g., long-term memory). Taken together, the experimental work provides evidence of strategies that can be followed by clinicians to improve functional ability after stroke. In the final chapter the above findings are being discussed together with clinical implications of motor and cognitive rehabilitation approaches.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):