Regaining meaningful use of a paretic arm after stroke is both a challenge and an opportunity. Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT) has emerged as a cornerstone intervention, forcing the affected limb into action and reshaping cortical maps. In the past five years, refined protocols, modified dosing, and adjunctive pairings have expanded CIMT’s reach. This article unpacks the latest evidence, clinical indications, and practical strategies—so you can deliver high-value, patient-centered therapy.
Foot drop—when the foot cannot lift properly during walking—affects up to one in five stroke survivors and dramatically increases fall risk and energy cost. This long-form guide offers an in-depth look at the neurophysiology, precise assessment techniques, and the latest rehabilitation tools—from functional electrical stimulation to robotic assistance. You will gain a clear framework to select and combine interventions, monitor progress, and sustain engagement for real-world gains.
Stroke can leave lasting damage in the brain, leading to weakness, difficulty speaking, and other long-term problems. Traditional rehab helps survivors make the most of remaining function—but what if we could actually repair the injured tissue? Modified mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC-SB623) offer that promise. This article explains in easy terms how stem cells work, reviews their development, and highlights the latest preclinical findings.
Understanding the natural trajectory of upper-limb motor recovery after stroke is essential for setting realistic therapeutic goals, tailoring intervention intensity, and powering future clinical trials. Kolmos et al.’s recent systematic review and meta-analysis synthesizes data from usual-care groups to quantify average gains on the Fugl-Meyer Assessment of Upper Extremity (FMA-UE) and the Action Research Arm Test (ARAT) during the subacute phase (≤6 months post-stroke) :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}. These benchmarks enable clinicians to gauge progress against an evidence-based standard and help researchers design adequately powered studies.
Shoulder pain and limited mobility are among the most common complications following stroke, affecting up to 70% of survivors and interfering with daily activities and quality of life.
Occupational therapists play a critical role in restoring functional range of motion, reducing pain, and preventing secondary complications such as frozen shoulder. Early, targeted intervention not only improves physical outcomes but also boosts patient confidence and participation in therapy.
Mental practice works wonders for stroke recovery, though it might seem too simple to work. Our brains respond in amazing ways as we imagine doing movements that we can’t physically perform. Research shows that mental exercise creates changes in brain areas that associate with movement, like the primary motor cortex . The strongest scientific evidence confirms that mental practice helps improve upper body movement function .
Stroke can severely limit arm and hand function, affecting up to 80% of survivors early on and nearly 40% chronically. Restoring upper extremity movement is critical for independence and daily tasks — but which rehab methods actually work best?
A major systematic review analyzed over 5,700 studies to pinpoint the most effective, science-backed techniques for upper extremity stroke recovery. Here’s a clear breakdown for therapists, caregivers, and patients.
Many older adults lose confidence when walking in busy places or trying to do two things at once, such as talking and moving at the same time. This difficulty with “dual tasking” raises the risk of tripping, slowing down, or freezing in place — all of which can increase falls and limit independence.
Dual task training is an evidence-based method that teaches the brain and body to handle physical and mental challenges simultaneously. A recent randomized controlled trial (RCT) explored how adding dual task exercises to typical balance and gait therapy benefits older adults with mild balance or cognitive concerns.
Stroke recovery is often described as a race against time. The biggest improvements usually happen early — but a landmark European study shows that without the right strategies, functional gains can fade over time.
This multi-center study followed over 500 stroke survivors for five years, measuring how well they recovered motor skills and daily function. The results remind therapists, patients, and caregivers that recovery doesn’t stop at discharge.
Spasticity affects up to one-third of stroke survivors, turning simple daily activities into frustrating struggles against stiff, uncontrollable muscles.
Recovering from a stroke is a marathon, not a sprint. Yet the first few weeks, particularly during inpatient rehabilitation, often set the trajectory for long-term recovery.
Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) uses a small, surgically implanted pulse generator placed under the chest skin. Electrodes connect to the vagus nerve in the neck. When patients perform targeted arm or hand movements, the device delivers precise electrical pulses. As a result, it activates the brain’s learning pathways and reinforces motor circuits.
Functional electrical stimulation (FES) has been used in stroke rehabilitation for decades. Yet outcomes vary widely depending on how and when it is applied.
For decades, rehabilitation focused on reducing mistakes. Therapists were trained to guide, assist, and correct movement as quickly as possible.
But neuroscience has taught us something critical.
Errors are not the enemy of recovery. In many cases, they are the engine that drives it.
Understanding how mistakes influence learning has reshaped modern stroke rehabilitation and led to the emergence of approaches such as error augmentation training. These strategies intentionally allow, amplify, or manipulate errors to stimulate neuroplastic change.
This article explains why making mistakes matters after stroke, how error-based learning works, and how therapists can harness errors to improve recovery.
Why Mistakes Matter in Stroke Rehabilitation
After a stroke, the brain must relearn how to control movement, posture, and coordination.
Learning requires feedback. Errors provide that feedback.
When a movement attempt fails, the nervous system receives information about what did not work. This information is essential for refining future attempts and strengthening neural pathways.
Without errors, the brain has limited opportunity to adapt.
Neuroplasticity Thrives on Error-Based Learning
Neuroplasticity refers to the brain’s ability to reorganize itself in response to experience and practice.
Error-based learning is a powerful driver of neuroplastic change because it:
Engages active problem-solving
Enhances attention and motor planning
Strengthens synaptic connections through feedback
Encourages adaptive movement strategies
When patients are allowed to explore movement rather than being over-assisted, the brain is forced to adjust, recalibrate, and learn.
What Is Error Augmentation Training?
Error augmentation training intentionally increases or exaggerates movement errors to amplify sensory feedback.
By making errors more noticeable, the nervous system becomes more responsive to correction and adaptation.
Mistakes vs. Maladaptive Movement
It is important to distinguish between productive errors and maladaptive movement patterns.
Productive errors occur when a patient actively attempts a task and learns from the outcome.
Maladaptive patterns occur when compensation replaces recovery and limits future potential.
Effective rehabilitation allows errors within a structured framework that still promotes quality movement and functional goals.
Motor Learning Principles Support Error-Based Training
Research in motor learning consistently shows that learning is enhanced when individuals:
Actively attempt tasks
Experience variable outcomes
Receive feedback after performance
Are challenged at an appropriate level
Error augmentation aligns with these principles by keeping patients cognitively and physically engaged in the learning process.
How Therapists Can Use Errors Therapeutically
Therapists do not need advanced technology to apply error-based learning principles.
Practical strategies include:
Reducing physical assistance when safe
Allowing patients time to problem-solve
Using task constraints instead of verbal correction
Encouraging multiple solution attempts
Providing feedback after, not during, movement
These approaches shift therapy from correction-driven to learning-driven.
Why Avoiding Mistakes Can Limit Recovery
Over-guidance and constant correction can unintentionally reduce learning.
When the therapist solves every problem, the brain does not have to.
This can lead to:
Reduced engagement
Slower skill acquisition
Limited carryover outside therapy
Allowing safe, purposeful mistakes helps transfer skills from the clinic to real life.
Error-Based Learning Builds Confidence and Independence
Beyond neurological benefits, learning through errors builds confidence.
Patients learn that they can try, fail, adapt, and succeed. This mindset is critical for long-term recovery and independence.
Recovery becomes an active process rather than a passive one.
Free CEU: Error Augmentation and Neuroplasticity in Stroke Rehabilitation
For clinicians who want to deepen their understanding of error-based learning and neuroplasticity, we offer a free continuing education course focused on modern stroke rehabilitation strategies.
The course explores:
Error augmentation training principles
Motor learning science in stroke rehab
Clinical decision-making for safe challenge
Practical application across therapy settings
Clinical Insights: Why It Works
EAT challenges the brain to actively adjust, making it a powerful driver of neuroplastic change. Instead of compensating for errors, patients learn to correct them on the fly—leading to meaningful, long-term improvements in function.
Implementing EAT in Practice
Work with a skilled therapist or smart device that can amplify movement error.
Incorporate EAT into both arm and gait training protocols.
Measure outcomes like Fugl-Meyer upper limb scores or gait symmetry to track progress.
Expand Your Neurorehab Toolkit
To explore Error Augmentation Training and other cutting-edge rehab strategies, enroll in our FREE CEU course here. Learn to harness the power of mistakes and drive robust neuroplastic outcomes—one corrective rep at a time.
Early rehabilitation is critical after stroke—and motorized arm cycling is emerging as a highly effective intervention. By combining guided, repetitive movement with muscle activation, this approach strengthens motor recovery, reduces complications, and improves functional outcomes.
Attention is a finite cognitive resource that becomes especially vulnerable when other systems falter. Across neurological and systemic conditions, the brain often compensates for deficits in processing, sensation, or memory by reallocating attentional resources—leading to fatigue, errors, and cognitive overload.
Stroke recovery does not happen because damaged brain tissue magically heals. It happens because the brain adapts.
This adaptive process is known as neuroplasticity. Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to reorganize, form new connections, and assign new roles to undamaged areas in response to injury, experience, and neurorehabilitation after stroke.
Vision plays a critical role in nearly every daily activity. Reading, cooking, navigating a room, managing medications, and driving all depend on the brain’s ability to interpret visual information accurately and efficiently.
Biofeedback is a powerful therapeutic technique that provides patients with real-time information about their physiological processes, empowering them to actively monitor and regulate their own bodily functions. Yet, despite its proven benefits, biofeedback remains significantly underutilized in the therapy world. In this comprehensive article, we’ll explore the reasons behind this underutilization and uncover the compelling advantages that make biofeedback a must-have tool in every therapist’s arsenal.
Improving Dynamic Balance Following Neurological Injury
Overview:
This AOTA approved continuing education class will introduce you to efficacous evidence-based interventions that drive neuroplastic change resulting in improved balance following neurological injury.
Salia Rehab is proud to be an AOTA Approved Provider of high-quality professional development.
Course Approval ID: #6686
This online, self-paced activity offers 0.125 CEUs (1.25 contact hours) and is designed for occupational therapists, physical therapists, assistants, physicians, and other rehab professionals who directly treat clients recovering from stroke.
Please note: The assignment of AOTA CEUs does not imply endorsement of specific course content, clinical methods, or products by AOTA, nor does it indicate AOTA’s approval of a certification or other professional recognition.
Course Overview
This evidence-based online CEU will teach you the most effective interventions proven to promote neuroplasticity and restore meaningful hand and arm function after a stroke. You’ll learn practical techniques to break learned nonuse, encourage active movement, and help patients maximize recovery.
Participants have 90 days to complete this intermediate-level course and must achieve an 80% passing score on the quiz to earn their certificate.
What You’ll Learn — Learning Outcomes
Analyze recent stroke outcome data and key recovery trends.
Explain the difference between the umbra and penumbra and how each impacts brain recovery after stroke.
Identify how learned nonuse limits upper limb function and how to overcome it in therapy.
Differentiate interventions that do and do not drive meaningful neuroplastic change.
Key Questions Answered
What spontaneous recovery mechanisms naturally occur after stroke?
Which factors best amplify neuroplasticity and recovery?
How does learned nonuse develop and how can it be reversed?
What treatment strategies produce the best functional gains for the hand and arm?
Suffering from a neurological injury such as stroke can be a long and hard battle. Having the right team in place can make a significant impact on the success of one’s recovery. Being comfortable with one’s clinical team can set patients up for great success. Health professional building that immediate trust is key to a positive outcome.
Every 2.1 seconds, someone in the world suffers a stroke. Stroke is the #1 cause of long-term disability worldwide. Globally, there are over 15 million stroke survivors. With respect to the United States, there are approximately 5.1 million stroke survivors alive today in the US. It is the third leading cause of death in USA and the numbers are expected to double by 2030.
Over the years, many stroke survivors have stated that their therapist recommended 20-30 minutes of electrical stimulation to a targeted area for daily home use. Are we are missing an opportunity to maximize the therapeutic benefit of stimulation by limiting the total treatment time under 30 minutes?
Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy. Understanding the Facts and Myths.
Overview:
This AOTA approved online self-study continuing education class will introduce you to evidence-based practice surrounding Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy to the stroke population.
The online class is intended for medical professionals (e.g. OT/OTA, PT/PTA, Physicians, etc.) directly related to the rehabilitation of a patient or client. To participate in this CEU and receive credit, the participant must be a licensed, treating clinician. Completion of this course will reward the participant with .1 CEUs or 1 contact hour, following completion of the presentation and a ≥80% score on the quiz. You will have 90 days to complete this course.
Electrical Stimulation for Stroke Recovery. A review of evidence-based clinical considerations.
Overview:
This AOTA approved online self-study continuing education class will introduce you to evidence-based practice surrounding electrical stimulation to the stroke population.
The online class is intended for medical professionals (e.g. OT/OTA, PT/PTA, Physicians, etc.) directly related to the rehabilitation of a patient or client. To participate in this CEU and receive credit, the participant must be a licensed, treating clinician. Completion of this course will reward the participant with .1 CEUs or 1 contact hour, following completion of the presentation and a ≥80% score on the quiz. You will have 90 days to complete this course.
If one asked 10 new stroke survivors the following question, what do you think they would say?
“Would you rather spend most of your time learning compensatory one-handed strategies with your unaffected side, or would you rather focus on improving strength, range of motion and function in your affected limb?” That’s a big question.
Robot-assisted therapy has become increasingly popular over the last 2 decades. In fact, it is so well-known that out of the 1,300 RCT’s in UE stroke recovery, robotic research leads the pack with 112 RCT’s! There is no doubt robotic therapy, in some form or fashion, is here to stay, however is it a MUST-HAVE or a NICE-TO-HAVE intervention?
Shoulder pain resulting from stroke hemiplegia is a common clinical consequence. Hemiplegic shoulder pain can occur as early as two weeks post-stroke but an onset of two to three months is more typical. Frozen shoulder, pain and weakness can negatively affect rehabilitation outcomes as good shoulder function is a prerequisite for successful transfers, maintaining balance, effective hand function, and performing ADL’s activities of daily living.
For many clinicians, the idea of strengthening spastic or hyperactive muscles in stroke survivors has long been controversial. The thought of asking a patient to squeeze a spastic hand or flex a tight bicep can make some therapists cringe. Historically, such interventions were discouraged, often based on tradition and outdated clinical beliefs rather than scientific evidence.
Outdated Assumptions About Spasticity and Strength Training
Early in their careers, many therapists were advised not to “trigger abnormal movement patterns” in patients with hemiparesis. Strengthening hyperactive muscles was thought to increase spasticity, reinforce abnormal synergies, and even cause pain. But this guidance was based on anecdote, not data—passed down from one generation of clinicians to the next, without being questioned.
The reality is this: these warnings had no research backing them. They were based on assumptions and fear, not evidence.
What the Evidence Tells Us Now
Fast-forward to today, and a wealth of research supports strength training for individuals with spastic hemiparesis. According to the Evidence-Based Review of Stroke Rehabilitation (EBRSR), 33 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have evaluated strength training for upper extremity motor recovery. The findings? Strength training is beneficial—and none of the studies concluded that it increased spasticity or pain.
In fact, strengthening programs were associated with improved function, greater independence, and better motor outcomes. As with all therapy, dosage and technique matter, but the research overwhelmingly supports strength training as a safe and effective intervention post-stroke.
From Old-School Theory to Modern Science
The neurorehabilitation landscape has shifted dramatically over the past two decades. We’ve moved away from concepts like:
Avoiding contact on the palmar surface of a spastic hand
Overemphasis on tone-reduction modalities
Avoiding strengthening in fear of “reinforcing” spasticity
And we’ve embraced interventions supported by science, such as:
Repetitive task-specific training
Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT)
Functional strength training and resistance exercises
Studies by Patten, Butefisch, Sharp, Teixeira-Salmela, and Wolf have all demonstrated the benefits of these modern strategies. These techniques don’t just improve strength—they promote true neuroplastic change and real-world functional gains.
Spasticity vs. Weakness: A Critical Distinction
One of the most important shifts in perspective has been recognizing that muscle weakness—not spasticity—is often the primary barrier to movement. While spasticity can create resistance, studies show that focusing on reducing tone alone does not lead to improved function. On the other hand, targeting strength deficits often leads to better control, improved coordination, and enhanced use of the affected limb.
Research by Harris, Ada, and Patten supports this modern approach: treat weakness first.
The Future of Neurorehabilitation
Occupational therapy has come a long way. As the profession celebrates more than 100 years of evolution, AOTA’s Centennial Vision continues to ring true: “Occupational therapy is a powerful, science-driven, and evidence-based profession.” And nowhere is that more evident than in the ongoing transformation of stroke rehabilitation practices.
As we adopt smarter technology, more robust clinical trials, and modern protocols, we empower therapists and stroke survivors alike to pursue outcomes that were once thought impossible. The goal is no longer just compensating—it’s recovering.
Final Thoughts
Strengthening spastic muscles after stroke is not only safe—it’s necessary. The evidence is clear, and the tools are available. Let’s continue to challenge outdated ideas, embrace evidence-based care, and give every stroke survivor the opportunity to achieve their fullest potential.
Stroke recovery is a hard and long journey for most patients. There are therapists that “treat neuro patients” and then there are “neuro therapists”. In order for a patient to reach maximum potential with their rehab journey, they will need a clinician that understands, appreciates and knows the neurorecovery process.
Just like athletes and musicians, many stroke survivors will have periodic and temporary plateaus or setbacks as they continue to improve. It is a back-and-forth process. Improve a little, then a plateau occurs. Modify the training and improve some more. Then, here comes another plateau. Modify again. You get the idea.
Occupational Therapy (OT) CEU’s are part of the necessary requirements to maintain one’s license. In addition, a clinician may seek out paid or free continuing education classes (CEU) to advance his or her knowledge and skill set.
Better clinical outcomes following stroke are associated with interventions such as cortical priming resulting in increased excitability of the motor cortex (Catano et al).
Priming is a technique used to enhance the brain’s ability to re-balance the 2 hemispheres following a stroke. Priming interventions include invasive and non-invasive techniques and can be administered prior to or during therapy.
Stroke survivors are beautiful and handsome heroes. But it’s not about vanity – it’s about recovery. Mirror Therapy (MT) is a critical intervention – yet vastly underutilized.
The human brain is one of the most fascinating and complex organs in the body. It houses over 100 billion neurons and forms more than 200 trillion synaptic connections. During a stroke, approximately 32,000 neurons die every second, totaling nearly 1.2 billion neurons lost in a typical event. While this may sound catastrophic, it represents only about 1% of the brain’s total neurons.
That means 99% of the brain remains intact. And with the right approach, it can compensate, adapt, and heal.
The Breakthrough of Neuroplasticity
In the 1980s, renowned neuroscientist Dr. Michael Merzenich helped prove that the adult brain is not hardwired—contrary to what many believed. His groundbreaking work revealed that the brain is capable of reorganizing itself by forming new neural connections, a phenomenon known as neuroplasticity.
This discovery has completely shifted our understanding of stroke rehabilitation. Rather than focusing on what was lost, modern therapies focus on what can be rewired.
Why Many Traditional Stroke Therapies Fall Short
Unfortunately, many conventional stroke rehab models abandon patients too early—long before neuroplasticity has had a chance to take hold. Standard clinical tests may not detect subtle signs of brain rewiring, such as micro-movements or emerging motor patterns.
As a result, therapy may be prematurely deemed ineffective, when in fact, the brain is just beginning to change. This is one of the greatest oversights in traditional care.
Repetition: The Catalyst for Rewiring
If you’re a clinician, ask yourself: “What did I do in today’s 45-minute session to truly drive neuroplasticity?” The typical therapy session includes only about 30 repetitions. Research suggests that it takes at least 300–400 quality reps per session to begin meaningful rewiring of the brain.
Consider sports training, music practice, or skill development. A baseball pitch, a piano scale, or an ice-skating spin takes thousands of reps to master. Stroke rehab is no different. Every repetition leaves a neurological footprint—a pathway for the next rep to follow. Over time, these paths become stronger, faster, and more automatic.
Time to Rethink Outdated Approaches
With today’s evolving technology and research-backed tools, we must challenge traditional concepts that no longer serve patients. Many old-school therapy methods—especially those unsupported by evidence—need to make way for protocols that prioritize repetition, engagement, and science-based strategies.
Therapists must be bold enough to ask, “Is this intervention truly helping my patient move forward?” If not, it’s time to pivot.
Learn More About the Soft-Wired Brain
Whether you’re a stroke survivor, a caregiver, or a rehab professional, we highly recommend exploring Dr. Merzenich’s book: Soft-Wired: How the New Science of Brain Plasticity Can Change Your Life. It offers an accessible and inspiring look at how neuroplasticity works and what it means for recovery.
Rewiring the brain doesn’t happen overnight. It takes effort, consistency, and intelligent therapy. But it does happen—one rep at a time.
If you’re ready to embrace evidence-based therapy that unlocks the brain’s potential, make sure your approach is grounded in science, driven by repetition, and focused on lasting functional gains.
Falls can happen anytime and anywhere to people of any age. However, as people get older, or suffer neurological injuries such as stroke, the number of falls and the severity of injury resulting from falls increases. Taking precautions to prevent falling after stroke can help save a life. Falling is the leading cause of accidental home deaths, and they are a major reason for 40% of admissions to nursing homes.
Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT) is a form of treatment designed to decrease the impact of a stroke on the upper-limb (UL) function of some stroke survivors. It is a behavioral approach to neurorehabilitation[2] based on “Learned- Nonuse”.
The Gondola Medical Device provides a non-invasive mechanical stimulation based on pressure pulses. The pulses are applied in two specific areas of both feet, the head of the big toe and the first metatarsal joint. The treatment comprises four cycles of stimulation; one cycle includes a six-second stimulation of each of the four target areas (total: 24 sec). The overall treatment consists of four repetitions of the stimulation cycle (total: 2 minutes). This method of treatment is called “Automated Mechanical Peripheral Stimulation” (AMPS).
The UE Ranger was designed to help you exercise your arm not only in the clinic during your rehab sessions, but also at home. More rehab equals more recovery, so empowering yourself with the UE Ranger at home is a game changer.
When François suffered multiple injuries from a snowmobile accident in 2001, he knew his life would change forever. After fracturing both legs and knees, he was left with a complete foot drop on one side. Over the years, he tried various ankle and foot orthosis (AFOs), but couldn’t find the one that would allow him to get his life back. That’s how Turbomed was born.
National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) is a clinical tool that measures stroke-related neurologic deficits. This measure can be quantified. NIHSS is used in modern neurology for three main objectives;
to evaluate the violence of stroke to its patients and document the neurological status of the patients.
To determine the treatment to be administered to patients by planning the appropriate patient care and act as a common language for the exchange of information understood by healthcare providers.
To predict the outcome of the patient from the illness, both long and short term outcomes. It can also indicate a lesion size and be a measure of stroke severity.
Stroke is among the leading causes of severe long-term disabilities. It reduces mobility in more than 50% of its patients who are aged 65 and above. According to NINDS, 15-30% of patients develop a permanent physical disability while most patients regain their hands and legs’ functionality. Symptoms associated with stroke vary from dizziness, fatigue, blurred vision, slurred speech, fatigue, and numbness. However, according to a survey done, only 38% of the respondents knew the stroke’s significant symptoms. The most recognized sign by 98% of the respondents was numbness on one side. Knowing these symptoms is crucial because it can reduce disability in patients. Those who start receiving treatment three hours after the first symptom show less disability than those who receive delayed care.
A stroke occurs when the blood vessels in your brain bleed due to a rupture. It can also happen when the blood supply to your brain is blocked. When blood supply is blocked, or blood vessels rupture, blood, and oxygen do not reach the brain tissues, and without oxygen, these cells and tissues become damaged and start dying within a short time.
Despite many different style arm slings for stroke, current shoulder positioning devices don’t address the numerous frustrations patients and therapists describe when trying to effectively treat a subluxed shoulder that is the result of a brain injury or spinal cord injury. Common reasons reported why existing shoulder subluxation products are less than favorable and aren’t worn regularly include:
NeuronUP is a 3-in-1 tool to help the neurorehabilitation specialist save time in a clinical setting. The web based platform that offers professionals activities of daily living for the rehabilitation and cognitive stimulation of people with brain damage, neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer’s, MS, Parkinson’s), neurodevelopmental disorders (ADHD, ASD), mental and intellectual disabilities, deficits from normal aging, etc.
Readers are calling Hope After Stroke for Caregivers and Survivors: The Holistic Guide to Getting Your Life Back, the “The Stroke Bible,” that should be in every hospital and rehab facility. It’s a must read for every caregiver and survivor.
Arm and Leg Bike An Arm and Leg Bike is a stationary cycle designed to strengthen and condition the upper and lower body, as well as the cardiovascular system, by using the arms and/or legs.
Bathing Aids Equipment that helps users become more independent with bathing.
Biofeedback Biofeedback or electromyography (EMG) is a non-invasive technique used for measuring muscle electrical activity that occurs during muscle contraction and relaxation.
Body Weight Support Body Weight Support uses a suspension system and a harness to support a percentage of the user’s body weight during standing, walking or exercise.
Cognitive-Communication Training Cognitive-Communication Training consists of specialized hardware devices and/or software programs used in therapy or at home as a way to improve cognition and/or communication skills.
Dining Aids Equipment that helps users become more independent with feeding and drinking.
Dressing Aids Dressing aids help users become more independent with applying and removing clothing.
Edema Management Edema is a medical term for swelling caused by excess fluid trapped in the body’s tissues (i.e., hand/foot). One of the common treatment techniques used to reduce edema is a compression garment. Examples of garments include gloves, elastic stockings, and ace wraps. Another common strategy to reduce fluid is through the use of electrical stimulation.
Electrical Stimulation Electrical stimulation or neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) is a technique used to elicit a muscle contraction using electrical impulses. Electrical current is then sent from the unit to the electrodes and delivered into the muscle causing a contraction.
EMG-Triggered Stimulation EMG-Triggered Stimulation is based on the user’s voluntary movement, or intent to move. Electrodes, controlled by a unit, are placed on the skin over a specific area. Once the user attempts to contract his or her muscles and reaches the prescribed threshold, stimulation is triggered (delivered) to the same muscles. Various visual and auditory feedback options monitor the progress.
Exercise Aid An Exercise Aid is a piece of equipment used during physical activity to improve strength and coordination of the body region targeted.
Foot Drop Brace A Foot Drop Brace is a rigid or flexible support that offers dynamic or static assistance to the weakened foot so functional mobility and exercises can be possible.
Grip Aid Grip Aid is a wrist or hand strap system designed to grasp, stabilize and hold items for individuals with poor hand function and strength.
Hand Function Splint A Hand Function Splint is a rigid or flexible brace that offers dynamic or static assistance to the weakened hand so functional activities and exercises can be possible.
Lower Limb Contracture Splint A Lower Limb Contracture Splint is a brace used to prevent or treat contractures. The goal of a contracture splint is to help keep the soft tissues (muscle and tendons) in the leg and foot stretched properly.
Lower Limb Non-Robot Assisted Brace Lower Limb Non-Robot Assisted Brace consists of an electromechanical or mechanical device, designed for the leg or foot, that is used to assist users (through non-powered mobility) with exercise training, mobility and activities of daily living (ADL).
Lower Limb Robot Assisted Therapy Lower Limb Robot Assisted Therapy consists of an electromechanical device, designed for the leg or foot, that is used to assist users (through powered mobility) with exercise training, mobility and activities of daily living (ADL).
Mirror Therapy In Mirror Therapy, a mirror is placed beside the unaffected limb, blocking the view of the affected limb. This creates the illusion that both limbs are functioning properly. Damaged areas of the brain’s motor cortex may improve by viewing movements of intact, functioning limbs.
Mobile Arm Support A Mobile Arm Support (MAS) is a gravity supported mechanical device mounted on wheelchairs, tables, or base frames. A MAS is used to support the weak arm to improve motor function and strength. In addition, the device allows patients with shoulder weakness to perform self care tasks such as feeding, hygiene, grooming, and writing.
Motorized Arm and Leg Bike A Motorized Arm and Leg Bike is a motor-assisted cycle designed to strengthen and condition the upper body and lower body, as well as the cardiovascular system, by only using the arms and/or legs.
Shoulder Subluxation Sling A Subluxation Sling is typically used on hemiparetic arms that are flaccid or exhibit minimal to no movement. They offer support, protection against injury and can prevent or reduce shoulder pain.
Stretching Aid A Stretching Aid is a piece of equipment typically used to prevent stiffness as well as maintain or improve range of motion at the desired joint.
Stroke Recovery Books Inspiring and educational books that provide excellent resources, tips and strategies for individuals afflicted by stroke
Tremor Aids Adaptive equipment and therapeutic tools that assist with reducing or minimizing tremors.
Upper Limb Contracture Splint A Upper Limb Contracture Splint is a brace used to prevent or treat contractures. The goal of a contracture splint is to help keep the soft tissues (muscle and tendons) in the arm and hand stretched properly.
Upper Limb Robot Assisted Therapy Upper Limb Robot Assisted Therapy consists of an electromechanical device, designed for the arm or hand, that is used to assist users (through powered mobility) with exercise training and activities of daily living (ADL).
Vibration Vibration is a therapeutic tool that assists with reducing pain, reducing spasticity, recovering from injuries and improving performance.
Virtual Reality/Exercise Games Virtual Reality/Exercise Games consists of computer-based, interactive exercise games and activities that allow players to engage in entertaining tasks while being physically challenged. These games rely on technology that tracks body movements or reactions. Some advanced games allow users to set goals, grade and customize, receive instantaneous feedback, reinforce behaviors, and record and analyze results.
Visual Aid A Visual Aid is an assistive device designed specifically to help people with vision loss or impairment.
Visual Motor Training Visual Motor Training consists of coordinating visual skills together with gross-motor and/or fine-motor movement. It is the ability to integrate visual input with physical output. This is how individuals plan, execute and monitor functional tasks, such as turning a page, buttoning a shirt, or walking safely.
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