Physiotherapy for Upper Extremity Dysfunction Following Stroke

Abstract

This paper reviews publications regarding physiotherapy treatments for upper extremity (UE) dysfunction following stroke. A high proportion of patients who present with stroke have initial impairments of UE function and only a few of these regain functional use of their impaired limbs. There are a wide variety of treatment methods available to the physiotherapist, however, there is little literature to support the use of anyone method over another. The literature suggests that more intensive therapy targeted at those patients with relatively little initial deficit can produce improved outcomes. Publications should be considered critically, as there is wide-ranging quality of study design and presentation. The common feature of the therapeutic interventions that have shown positive results in the literature is the use of repetitive, task-oriented movements. This form of intervention is strongly backed up by recent theories of plasticity and models of recovery. It warrants consideration by practicing therapists for inclusion into their treatments.