Although many recognize the term "brain injury", its varied causes and effects are less understood. This article will shed light on the many ways a brain injury can occur, bodily functions impacted by brain injury, as well as factors that influence brain injury recovery.

Understanding Brain Injury: Types, Effects, and Outcomes

Brain injury is a widely recognized concept, but many are not aware that it is
an umbrella term. There are multiple forms of brain injury that are classified
based on when, how, and where brain tissue damage occurs. Brain injuries have
diverse effects, lending to the saying that no two are alike
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZH7-r1Wy9o]. 

To acknowledge Brain Injury Awareness Month this March, we shed light on all
things brain injury:

 * What are the different types of brain injury?
 * What are the effects of a brain injury?
 * What are the long-term outcomes of a brain injury?

 What are the different types of brain injury?
Brain injuries can classified according to a person's age at the time of injury
as well as how they received the injury.

Congenital: A brain injury that is present from birth. Types of congenital brain
injuries include Chiari malformation, encephaloceles, and anencephaly. Cerebral
palsy is also usually a congenital brain injury. 

Acquired: A brain injury that occurs after the time of birth.

Traumatic: A brain injury that occurs due to an external force acting upon the
brain. This can result from causes including a fall, a blow to the head,
whiplash, or a penetrating force like a bullet or knife.

Non-traumatic: A brain injury that occurs due to an internal force or event.
This can result from causes including a stroke, a brain tumor, an infection, or
oxygen deprivation. 


Additional Classifications of Brain Injury
In addition to the categories above, brain injuries can be characterized by
their impact (mild, moderate, or severe), whether the skull is intact or broken
at the time of injury, and whether the injury occurs in a localized or
widespread area.

It's not necessary for survivors to understand their injuries in this much
detail. What is most important to note is that, due to the variability of brain
injury, survivors can not be stereotyped. Not all survivors are affected the
same way.

Even a minor brain injury can effect cognitive skills including memory,
attention, and problem-solving. What are the effects of a brain injury?
A brain injury can have very different effects based on where it occurred in
the
brain
[https://www.neofect.com/us/blog/brain-anatomy-101-major-structures-and-functions]
. Here are some bodily functions that can be affected by brain injury:

Movement: An injury to one side of the brain can affect movement on the opposite
side of the body. Some brain injury survivors experience hemiplegia, or
one-sided weakness, that interferes with their ability to use their arms and
legs.

Other movement-related effects of a brain injury include ataxia
[https://www.neofect.com/us/blog/what-is-ataxia] (incoordination), apraxia
[https://www.neofect.com/us/blog/what-is-apraxia] (problems with planning
movement), and loss of the sense of balance.

Speech: Brain injury can cause difficulties in both producing and understanding
speech [https://www.neofect.com/us/blog/stroke-lingo-part-1]. If the brain
injury causes facial muscle weakness, an individual may have difficulty making
the correct lip movements to form words clearly.

Brain injuries affecting specific speech centers can result in aphasia, or the
inability to form or interpret language that is not due to muscle weakness.

Thinking: The brain regulates cognitive processes that control behavior, also
known as executive functions. Based on the location of damage, a brain injury
survivor may have difficulty with skills including attention, memory,
problem-solving, and self-control. 

Brain injuries can also affect a person's insight, impacting a survivor's
awareness of their own condition or happenings in the world around them.

Vision: Brain injuries affecting vision centers can reduce the ability to see
[https://www.neofect.com/us/blog/vision-changes-after-stroke]. Some injuries
cause visual neglect, resulting in the inability to pay attention to part of the
visual field. Other brain injuries can cause temporary or permanent vision loss.


For many survivors, the consequences of brain injury are not apparent in their
outward appearance.

Brain Injury: An Invisible Disability
Brain injuries are often referred to as invisible disabilities because their
effects are not always readily apparent. Unlike a broken bone in a cast, an
injured brain isn't always as easy to spot up-front.

It's important to understand that brain injuries can cause performance problems,
but do not assume that a brain injury survivor needs help unless they have
specifically asked for assistance. Many survivors function independently. Others
use adaptive strategies that allow them to take care of themselves with
additional support. 


Attending rehabilitation and engaging in exercise are two ways to improve
recovery outcomes. What are the long-term outcomes of a brain injury?
It's not possible to perfectly predict long-term outcomes of a brain injury.
Factors including older age at the time of injury and greater extent of damage
are associated with reduced independence. Still, there are many effects that a
brain injury survivor can control to make a difference in their recovery.

Timely therapy treatment improves outcomes: Multiple studies have found that 
earlier and more rehab results in better outcomes
[https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1622318/] for acute brain injury.  As a brain
injury can affect multiple body systems, it's important to get evaluated by
physical, occupational, and speech therapists right away as their treatments can
lay the groundwork for a successful recovery. 

Individuals who are further along from an initial brain injury can still benefit
from rehabilitation. Multiple studies show that those with chronic brain injury
can still make significant changes
[https://www.neofect.com/us/blog/chronic-stroke-is-there-any-hope] in areas
including motor function following intensive training programs.

Exercise improves outcomes: Survivors don't need to be in a therapy program to
engage in exercise that is helpful to their recovery. Many exercises promoting
neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to reorganize itself to regain lost
functions, can be performed at home with everyday objects.
[https://www.neofect.com/us/blog/maximize-post-stroke-hand-rehab-gains-with-functional-objects]

In addition to strengthening muscles and keeping weight under control, exercise
is shown to boost mood and perceived quality of life
[https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22840829/] after brain injury, two factors that
promote better recovery.

Social support improves outcomes: Social support is one of the most important
elements that can influence brain injury recovery. Research reveals that
stronger social networks after brain injury can reduce depression and increase
activity participation
[https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.3109/02699059409151012].

Social support can take many forms, whether it is immediate family, friends in
the community, or a virtual peer network. Although it seems difficult, evidence
points to the payoff of building solid relationships.


Further Reading:
#MoreThanMyBrainInjury Campaign
[https://www.biausa.org/public-affairs/public-awareness/brain-injury-awareness]
My Disability May Be Invisible, But I'm Not
[https://invisibledisabilities.org/invisible-no-more/invisible-disability-hannah-andrusky-author/]





--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Looking for a fun and effective brain injury rehabilitation solutions? Check out
the Neofect Smart Pegboard [https://www.neofect.com/us/smart-pegboard], a
dexterity training tool incorporating varied shapes, lights, and sounds for
functional fine motor training.

Seeking a system targeting thinking skills? Neofect Cognition
[https://www.neofect.com/us/cognition] contains 45 games spanning multiple
domains of executive function, with an adaptive level control ensuring that
training is just the right challenge for each user.

Call us at (888) 623-8984 or email us at info@neofect.com to learn more!

Brain Injury

Feeling dizzy after a stroke is more common than you think. Learn more about post-stroke dizziness and how vestibular therapy can improve your function.

 Post-Stroke Dizziness: How Vestibular Therapy Can Help

Dizziness is a common symptom in stroke survivors, but it is rarely addressed as
the main concern in rehabilitation programs. Consequently, many people are left
with dizziness that lingers beyond recovery and affects day to day activities.

Post-stroke dizziness can leave survivors sidelined from their regular routines.
Feeling dizzy after a stroke can be caused by different factors. To understand
more about post-stroke dizziness, let’s take a deeper look at factors that may
be involved and which treatments can help.


Dizziness After Stroke: Your Questions Answered
 * Why do people experience dizziness after stroke?
 * How does a brainstem stroke cause dizziness?
 * What treatments are available for post-stroke dizziness?
 * How can vestibular therapy help with post-stroke dizziness?
 * What is the prognosis for post-stroke dizziness?


Why do people experience dizziness after stroke?

Post-stroke dizziness can be a consequence of different medications, long
periods of inactivity, or sudden changes in blood pressure when we change
positions. People can also experience dizziness if the stroke affected certain 
structures in the brain
[https://www.neofect.com/us/blog/brain-anatomy-101-major-structures-and-functions]
. This specific type of stroke is known as a brainstem stroke. 


Major parts of the human brain include the four lobes of the cerebral cortex,
the brainstem, and the cerebellum.
A brainstem stroke occurs when blood flow to the brainstem is disrupted. The
brainstem, which is responsible for maintaining the body’s automatic functions,
is located near the base of the skull and found deep within the brain. It is
home to several important structures and connections that allow our bodies to
perform vital functions without conscious thought, also known as involuntary
activities. Simple involuntary activities like eating, breathing, and
controlling our heart rate are regulated in the brainstem. 

You can also think of the brainstem as a bridge between higher-level brain
activity and the rest of the body. Because of its location and important role in
sustaining life, any injury or trauma to the brainstem can have profound effects
on the body. 



How does a brainstem stroke cause dizziness?

Any disruption in the blood flow to the brainstem can also affect a nearby
structure known as the cerebellum. The cerebellum is responsible for creating
and coordinating movement after receiving information from our inner ear, eyes,
and sensory receptors in the body. Dizziness can occur when the brain is unable
to correctly interpret the information which, in turn, affects eye movements
and/or balance. 


What treatments are available for post-stroke dizziness?

Treatment for post-stroke dizziness depends on the cause. Certain medications
may be prescribed, or your healthcare provider can show you specific strategies
to help decrease dizziness that results from position changes. Vestibular
therapy can also be an effective treatment for post-stroke dizziness that
originates from the brainstem and/or cerebellum.


How can vestibular therapy help with post-stroke dizziness?

Vestibular therapy, a specialized form of physical therapy, addresses problems
that may arise in the vestibular system
[https://www.neuroscientificallychallenged.com/blog/know-your-brain-vestibular-system]
. For stroke survivors, vestibular therapy can be helpful in reducing dizziness
with head movements, sensitivity to busy environments, and loss of balance.

A bustling grocery store can provoke dizziness for those sensitive to busy
environments.
The vestibular system is an elaborate network of information that sends signals
to our brain related to motion, head movements, and body awareness. While that
information is processed, the vestibular system makes sure that the body remains
balanced and stabilized, also commonly referred to as equilibrium. 

When you are a passenger in a moving vehicle, your vestibular system is working
hard to process visual information about the passing vehicles and scenery while
making sure your body remains upright within the car. 

When the vestibular system is not working properly, many people will report
dizziness with head and/or eye movements, loss of balance, feeling dizzy in busy
environments like a grocery store, or a false sensation of movement that can
occur at any time. Others may feel a heightened sense of anxiety in crowds or
motion sickness on a moving platform, like an escalator or elevator. 

Vestibular therapy uses specific exercises using head and eye movements to
retrain the vestibular system and decrease sensitivity to visual movement. Doing
this helps to reteach the body how to coordinate movement and balance while the
head is moving. Vestibular therapy uses two strategies, known as habituation
and
adaptation [https://www.asha.org/Articles/Vestibular-Rehabilitation/], to create
these changes and improve your ability to perform everyday activities or
complete work responsibilities. 


A vestibular therapist may instruct a patient through a series of head-turning
exercises as part of an adaptation program to reduce dizziness.
Here is one way to test your vestibular system. Stand and hold your thumb in
front of you at an arms-length away. While keeping your eyes on the tip of your
thumb, slowly move your head back and forth like you are telling someone “no.”
You should be able to shake your head and maintain clarity of your thumb without
feeling dizzy or off-balance. If so, then a part of your vestibular system,
known as the Vestibulo-Ocular Reflex, is working properly! 


What is the prognosis for post-stroke dizziness?

With the right treatment approach, stroke survivors can see improvements in
post-stroke dizziness. Vestibular therapy can play a large role in helping
patients to regain independence and decrease symptoms of dizziness and imbalance
with everyday activities. 

Other prognoses for post-stroke dizziness unrelated to the vestibular system
will vary, depending on the cause of dizziness and available treatments. In
these cases, vestibular therapy may not be effective, especially if the
vestibular system is working properly. Your healthcare provider will be able to
provide more information on treatment options that are specific to you and your
needs.


Further Reading: 
How do I know if I have a vestibular disorder?
[https://vestibular.org/sites/default/files/page_files/Documents/How%20Do%20I%20know%20if%20I%20have%20a%20vestibular%20disorder.pdf]
Find a vestibular therapist in your area
[https://kaylacovertpt.wixsite.com/dizzydoc/post/what-is-vestibular-physical-therapy]


Looking for more ways to improve balance after stroke? Check out the Neofect
Smart Balance [https://www.neofect.com/us/smart-balance]! Call (888) 623-8984 or
email info@neofect.com for more information.

Dizziness

Post-Stroke Dizziness: How Vestibular Therapy Can Help

Functional recovery is possible, even years after a stroke. Learn how to harness neuroplasticity through repetitive exercise, and the all-around health benefits of staying active after stroke or brain injury.

The Ultimate Guide to Stroke Exercises

Having a stroke is a mentally and physically taxing experience. According to the
World Health Organization (WHO), 15 million people suffer from stroke worldwide
each year. Of these, 5 million people die, and many survivors are left
permanently disabled.

Stroke survivors may lose physical abilities and cognitive skills or undergo
behavioral changes because strokes cause temporary or permanent damage to the
brain areas that control those functions.

But here is the good news: the brain is able to recover after stroke, whether
initially or months to years later. While short-term recovery after stroke
(called spontaneous recovery) is limited to the first six months, long-term
functional recovery can occur at any point thereafter
[https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5020059/#B100]. Stroke survivors
who continue to engage their affected side in daily activity and exercise can
capitalize on functional recovery potential throughout their stroke journey.

The Importance of Stroke Exercise for Rehabilitation and Recovery
The brain is capable of rewiring and repairing itself even if its cells are
damaged. The undamaged parts step in to perform the tasks that the damaged parts
were performing. This phenomenon (called neuroplasticity
[https://www.neofect.com/us/blog/tips-for-unlocking-neuroplasticity-after-stroke-part-1]
) allows stroke survivors to regain lost movement and function. The key to
neuroplasticity is the consistent performance of repetitive tasks so that the
brain can relearn how to perform these tasks through different neural pathways.

In simpler words, stroke exercise is one of the most effective means by which
stroke patients can heal themselves, get stronger, improve the quality of their
lives, and maximize their recovery from stroke. Because lifestyle factors
[https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/ConditionsAndTreatments/stroke-risk-factors-and-prevention#:~:text=Lifestyle%20factors%20that%20increase%20your,diet%20and%20lack%20of%20exercise.] 
like being overweight and having high blood pressure are a common cause of
stroke, daily exercise becomes even more important in reducing the risk for
recurrent stroke and other complications. 

No matter the severity of the stroke, survivors can improve their quality of
life through healthy lifestyle changes and engagement in restorative activities.
Whether implementing big changes or small ones, the key to meaningful functional
recovery is engaging in your post-stroke routine changes consistently. 

The Physical and Mental Health Benefits of Stroke Recovery Exercises
Let’s look at some of the important physical and mental health benefits of
engaging in stroke rehabilitation exercises. Post-stroke exercise is shown to
produce many positive outcomes, which may include:

Physical benefits
 1. Speeds up all-round stroke recovery
 2. Recovers strength
 3. Improves endurance
 4. Increases walking speed
 5. Improves balance
 6. Boosts the ability to perform daily routine activities
 7. Prevents the recurrence of strokes.

Mental benefits
 1. Reduces depression and enhances mood
 2. Boosts brain health
 3. Relieves stress
 4. Helps in increasing a sense of self-worth and self-reliance that can
    decrease after a stroke
 5. Gives patients a sense of purpose and a goal to work towards.

Exercises to help Patients in Stroke Recovery at Home
The positive effects of post-stroke exercise are undeniable. However, when
setting up an exercise routine as a stroke survivor, it is important to
incorporate both cardiovascular fitness and muscle strengthening to ensure the
most effective outcomes.

Stroke exercises are always safer to do with a loved one or caregiver around.
However, if that is not possible, patients can modify an exercise program to
ensure safe performance. For instance, completing exercises from sitting as
opposed to standing to avoid loss of balance. It is also wise to consult a
doctor or a therapist should any uncertainties about any of the stroke exercises
arise or if you have any other underlying health condition.

Cardiovascular Fitness
Aerobic exercise is fundamental to building a healthy heart, improving
endurance, and maintaining healthy lungs. Cardiovascular exercise can also
improve the sensory perception and motor skills of stroke survivors. Walking
outside or on a treadmill, stationary cycling, recumbent cross training and many
other forms of exercise that get your heart pumping are extremely beneficial for
stroke recovery.

Stroke survivors must get at least 20-60 minutes of light to moderate aerobic
exercise (50 to 80% of your maximum heart rate) 3 to 7 days a week to improve
the chances of stroke recovery. Patients can choose to do aerobic exercise at
one go or in smaller sessions during the day.

Resistance Exercises for Strengthening Muscles
Resistance training or muscle strength training plays a crucial role in
post-stroke recovery, as it helps to recover physical strength, stamina,
stability, and improve range of motion.

Here are some commonly prescribed exercises for stroke recovery at home:



1. Wrist Curls
Equipment: A stable chair with armrests (preferably padded), light weights, or
any household object which can provide some resistance and is easy to grip.

How To Do It: Sit up straight on the chair. Place your arms on the rests with
your palms facing upward. Let your wrists dangle over the edge of the armrests.
Grasp the weights firmly and comfortably, and with slow controlled movements,
bend your wrist up towards your forearm and back down again (only your wrists
should be moving).

Benefits: Wrist curls are isolated movements that build forearm strength,
improve range of motion, and enhance gripping ability.

2. Wrist and Hand Stretch
Equipment: Stable chair with armrests.

How To Do It: With your arms facing downward and your wrists dangling over the
edge of the armrest, drop your hand down and use your other hand to gently lift
your wrist up and down and side to side.

Benefits: This simple movement stretches the ligaments in the wrist and forearms
to maintain range of motion.

Modification: If you add a weight while completing this exercise, you are
completing a reverse wrist curl, strengthening the muscles on the opposite side
of your forearm.

3. Shoulder Openers
Equipment: Light weights or any light object that can be gripped easily and will
provide some resistance.

How To Do It: Grasping your weights (make fists with your fingers facing
inwards), hold your arms at your sides, and bend your elbows 90 degrees. With
slow controlled movements, move your fists outwards while keeping your arms in
position at your sides (like you are opening a door). Bring your arms back to
your starting stance. (Can be performed both sitting or standing).

Benefits: This exercise improves range of motion and strength in the shoulders.

4. Table Towel Slide
Equipment: Folded Towel and table.

How To Do It: Place the towel in front of you. With your weaker hand on the
towel and your stronger hand on top of it, slide the towel away and towards you
(using your stronger hand to guide and push). Apart from going back and forth,
you could also go clock and counter-clockwise, forming circles on the table.

Benefits: Stretches and strengthens shoulder and arm muscles and promotes
neuroplasticity through improved arm coordination.

5. Trunk Bends
Equipment: A stable chair.

How To Do It: Sit on the edge of your chair with your feet planted slightly
apart but firmly on the ground. Bend forward as far as you can, and try to reach
your ankles or the floor between your legs. Then use your core muscles for
sitting back up as straight as you can.

Benefits: Improves core strength and helps with weight shifting.

6. Knee Rotations
Equipment: Firm, flat surfaces such as a bed or a mat.

How To Do It: Lie on your back and rest your hands by your sides. Bend your
knees with your feet flat on the floor. Keeping your knees together, drop them,
slowly, to the left then, bring them back to the center. Then drop them to the
right and back to the center.

Benefits: Improves core, back strength, coordination, and balance.

7. Hip Abduction
Equipment: Stable chair.

How To Do It: Sit up straight on the edge of your chair. Gently tighten your abs
and straighten one knee. With your toes pointed to the ceiling, slowly move your
foot out to the side. Return to the starting stance, then repeat on the other
side. You can decrease the intensity by lying down and performing this exercise
or make it more difficult by attempting this from standing, if you are capable.

Benefits: Strengthens hips, core, leg, back, and improves coordination and
stability.

8. Standing Knee Raises
Equipment: A firm surface to hold on to.

How To Do it: Stand with your back straight and hold on to a firm surface.
Shifting your weight to one leg, bring the other leg up in front of you while
bending your knee to a 90-degree angle. Hold for a few seconds and resume the
starting position. Then switch legs.

Benefits: Strengthens upper and lower abs, hips, and back. It also helps with
posture, balance, and coordination.

9. Sit to Stands
Equipment: Stable chair.

How To Do it: Sit up tall in your chair with your knees bent (90 degrees). Place
your feet firmly on the floor shoulder-width apart. Slowly rise to a standing
position while ensuring that your knees never cross the tips of your toes. Sit
back down slowly and in a controlled manner. To make it less intense, use your
arms for support, and to make it more difficult, cross your arms on your chest.

Benefits: Strengthens core and upper thigh muscles, improves weight shifting and
balance.

10. Hip Thrusts



Equipment: A flat, firm surface like a bed or a mat.

How To Do it: Lie on your back with your feet flat on the ground and knees bent.
Place your arms by your sides, palms down. Gently contract your abs and squeeze
your glutes (backside muscles) to lift your hips and make a bridge. Hold on this
position for a few seconds and lower to the starting stance. You can make it
easier by straightening your legs and placing a rolled-up towel under your
knees, then squeezing and lifting your hips. You could also make it more intense
by lifting one foot at a time while holding the bridge.

Benefits: It boosts the strength of the core, glutes, lower back muscles, and
muscles that support the spine.

Frequency and Intensity of Stroke Exercises
Stroke exercise is most beneficial if done consistently and repetitively. It is
always best to consult your medical team about the type and frequency of
exercises that are optimal for your unique situation. Do not risk your safety by
attempting things that you are unsure about.

As a guideline, resistance exercises should be done 3-5 times a week. 2-3 sets
of 12-15 repetitions (of each exercise) should be completed to achieve
noticeable results. A survivor who is new to exercise post-stroke exercises may
have to work up to the ideal frequency of exercise over time. 

Stroke exercise should never cause pain. Pain may indicate that you are causing
new or lasting damage to your muscles and joints. If your exercises produce a
burning, shooting, or otherwise uncomfortable sensation, stop immediately and
modify the activity (ex. reduce weight, perform the exercise within a smaller
range of motion). If it is not possible to perform the activity without pain,
remove it from your program and ask your doctor. 

Conclusions
A stroke results in drastic and sudden changes in life that can leave survivors
struggling physically, socially, and emotionally. However, proper stroke
exercise is the path to reclaiming the body, mind, and quality of life. With
determination and hard work, there is light at the end of the tunnel and a more
promising future ahead.



For more information, support, or to know more about the latest developments in
stroke recovery, give us a call at (888) 623-8984 or email at info@neofect.com.

Post-Stroke

Use these strategies to save energy in your daily life:

1. Prioritize "have-to's"
2. Make an action plan
3. Take rest breaks
4. Use your envrionment
5. Use technology

Energy Conservation Strategies for Easier Daily Living



When you hear the words “energy conservation,” what do you think of? If you were
paying extra close attention to your faithful OT during your hospitalization,
you may recall that energy conservation refers to certain strategies that help
you complete important daily tasks without completely tiring out first.

We OTs tend to stand atop our soapboxes to remind about the importance of energy
conservation. And that is because we find it to be a vital part of your
recovery! When you save your energy, your body accomplishes more, and often more
efficiently. You are also likely preventing falls and other injuries down the
line, as being too tired can make you less balanced and accurate.

Use these strategies to save energy in your daily life:
 1. Prioritize "have-to's"
 2. Make an action plan
 3. Take rest breaks
 4. Use your envrionment
 5. Use technology

Prioritize important “have-to's” in your day.
Think about what things absolutely must get done today. Write out a list of
things you have to/want to do, and then put a number by each task to show order
of importance. For example, if you must do laundry before you are on your very
last pair of skivvies, that may make it to the top of your list. If you want to
do some gardening or yard work, that could go down the list a few spaces below
your “have-to's”. That way, you can figure out if you have the energy left over
to do the gardening once the “have-to” tasks are completed.


Lay out your outfits in advance to save energy in the morning. Opt for
hassle-free clothing like sweatpants, pullover shirts, and slip-on shoes.

Make an action plan to accomplish the “have-to's.”
Change the way you approach a task, like sitting down for parts of it (or all of
it!) instead of standing up. Set a goal for the day, like “I will get one entire
load of laundry washed and dried this morning.” It even helps to write it out if
you can, so that you stick to the plan! Thinking up how to actually be
successful with something (especially if you need to do it differently than you
did before) goes a long way toward saving your energy. Part of your plan can go
hand in hand with your priority list: “if I get the laundry done this morning
and don’t feel too tired, then I will go visit my friend at her house in the
afternoon.”


Minimize standing, lifting, and carrying by doing daily chores while seated at a
table.

Figure out how and when to build in rest breaks.
This may sound simple, but part of your action plan should include rest breaks.
If you plan ahead and build them in, you will ensure you have set aside enough
time for the activity and the rest break, and won’t feel rushed. Get in the
habit of asking yourself “on a scale of 1-10, how tired am I after I do this
thing?” That way you will have a better idea of how often, or after how many
minutes of a given activity, you will need to sit or even lie down. Pick your
resting position or furniture! You may need to have dining room chairs set up
around the house so you can take a seat quickly, or you may need to save enough
energy to walk back to your bed.

Use your environment.
Rest heavy objects on countertops, and slide them along (on a trivet or hot pad
if needed) to where they need to go whenever you can. If you are using a walker
for mobility, consider purchasing a walker tray
[https://www.amazon.com/Walker-Rollator-Trays/b?ie=UTF8&node=3777021] or walker
bag [https://www.amazon.com/s?k=walker+bag&rh=n%3A3777021&ref=nb_sb_noss] to
ease carrying things. Position chairs close to areas you access frequently in
your home, such as the kitchen, where standing can get tiresome quickly.


A tub bench and grab bars save energy and improve safety during bathroom tasks.

Use technology.
Look into high-tech options to relieve you from high-energy activities incuding
community errands and heavy cleaning. Groceries, household items, and
medications can be delivered to your home. Heavy cleaning tasks are made easier
thanks to robotic vacuums and mops. Even pet care tasks are simplified with
bowls that automatically dispense food and water. Browse websites and phone apps
to see the multitude of digital options and products that can make your daily
routine easier.

Putting things in perspective
Think of this as more of a marathon than a sprint. Try your best not to compare
yourself to exactly how you were before your stroke - in many ways you were a
different person then. There may be bumps in the road, and some activities may
take longer to accomplish. With a little practice and a few adaptations, there
are definitely ways to regain independence, confidence, and happiness.



Further Reading: Balancing saving energy with your exercise routine
[https://www.neofect.com/us/blog/the-importance-of-energy-conservation-for-multiple-sclerosis-and-how-to-safely-incorporate-an-exercise-program]

energy conservation

Saving Your Energy

Seventy percent of American adults report taking at least one medication. Consider the following tips to streamline your medication management process.

Making Medication Management Easier

Managing medication is a part of most Americans' daily routine. Seventy percent
of adults report regularly taking one medication, over fifty percent take two,
and twenty percent of individuals take five or more medications at once
[www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/06/130619132352.htm]. Although many use a
system to ensure they take their prescriptions as scheduled, health events and
hospitalizations can result in medication and dosage changes that disrupt one's
regular routine.

Streamline your medication management process with the following solutions:
 1. Written reminders
 2. Pill container organizers
 3. Pill bottle timers
 4. Medication management apps
 5. Medication sorting services

Written Reminders
Pick a location in your house that you pass by often. Use sticky notes, a white
board, a calendar, or other means to place highly-visible reminders to take your
medication. You can set digital reminders on your smartphone or computer as a
recurring alarm or calendar event to help stay on track.



Pill Container Organizers
Especially important for those managing multiple medications, a pill organizer
allows you to sort all of your prescriptions for the week in a clearly-labeled
container. Multi-level organizers
[https://www.amazon.com/GMS-Organizer-Removable-Supplements-Medication/dp/B07NX1YCD9/ref=sr_1_13?crid=IT53YR1VGIHI&keywords=morning+noon+night+pill+organizer&qid=1578784527&sprefix=morning+noon+night+pill+%2Chpc%2C187&sr=8-13] 
include days of the week and times of the day for prescriptions taken on an
hourly basis. Devoting one day to filling your organizer for the week will save
you time and mental energy.



Pill Bottle Timers
Pill timers [https://www.epill.com/timecap.html] allow users to set alarms for
when medication is due, sounding a notification right from the pill bottle
itself [https://www.gadgetking.com/2016/01/26/rx-timer-cap/]. These timers also
track when the bottle was last opened, so users can calculate when their next
dose is due.

Medication Management Apps
Take digital reminders one step further and download a medication management and
tracking app to your smartphone. Choices including Medisafe
[https://www.medisafeapp.com/], Dosecast [http://www.montunosoftware.com/], and 
MedHelper [http://medhelperapp.com/] are available for both Android and Apple
products, allowing you to add prescriptions by name and set personalized alerts
for when medications are due.

Medication Sorting Services
Using a service that pre-sorts your prescriptions into daily dose pouches or
blister packs can be especially valuable for indivdiuals with complex drug
regimens. Many retail pharmacies including CVS
[https://www.cvs.com/content/multidose] can package your medications in this
manner at your request. Otherwise, consider an independent pharmacy like 
PillPack [https://www.pillpack.com/how-it-works], which offers medication
sorting and delivery to customers nationwide after insurance qualification.



Why is medication management important?
It is imperative to manage medications correctly, as errors in taking
prescriptions can be life-threatening. Ask others for help as needed or discuss
solutions with your doctor if taking your prescriptions at the right times seems
difficult. Ultimately, adopting a personal medication management system is a
short-term investment with long-term health benefits.

IADLs

Ataxia refers to the loss of control of voluntary movements of the body, including the limbs, face, or eyes. It is usually considered a symptom of an underlying diagnosis.

What is Ataxia?

Ataxia Overview
Ataxia refers to the loss of control of voluntary movements of the body,
including the limbs, face, or eyes. It is a rare disorder with many proposed
forms that are thought to affect common actions including walking, reaching,
speaking, and seeing. In some cases, ataxia can develop by itself; however, it
often manifests alongside another diagnosis. For purposes of this article, we
will discuss ataxia as a neurological symptom, its effects on upper and lower
extremity function, and supportive strategies to improve daily functioning while
living with ataxia.



What causes ataxia?
Ataxia often results from damage to a brain area called the cerebellum, a
structure that regulates coordination of movement and balance. It can affect one
side of the body (known as hemi-ataxia) or both, and can occur at any age
depending on its underlying cause. Ataxia can present quickly, following an
acute event, such as a stroke or brain injury, or slowly alongside a
neurodegenerative disorder. For some conditions, like cerebral palsy, ataxia may
be present from birth.

At this time, there is no cure for ataxia; however, prompt therapeutic
intervention can improve functional outcomes.



What does ataxia look like?
Ataxia symptoms can make an individual look as if they are clumsy. Ataxia
affecting the arms can cause difficulty holding and using objects as well as
decreased accuracy in reaching targets. Symptoms of ataxia affecting the core
and legs might present as impaired sitting or standing balance, unsteady
walking, and falling. Unlike apraxia
[https://www.neofect.com/us/blog/what-is-apraxia], another coordination
disorder, individuals with ataxia remain aware of the purpose of their actions
and associated tool use; however, their muscles do not respond in the correct
way to accomplish the desired task efficiently.

Therapeutic Treatments for Ataxia
There are many different options for treating ataxia with the help of an
occupational or physical therapist. Conventional OT and PT services aim to
improve independence and safety with daily living tasks. Occupational therapy
focuses on life skills from the basics, like eating, dressing, and grooming, to
bigger-picture tasks related to performing optimally at school or work. Physical
therapy addresses posture, balance, and walking so the individual can move
around with less assistance. Both OT and PT may incorporate strengthening and
cooridnation exercises as well as adaptive equipment or assistive device
recommendations into their treatment plans.



Constraint Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT)
CIMT
[https://blog.neofect.com/using-neofect-smartglove-to-maximize-constraint-induced-movement-therapy/] 
is a therapeutic intervention that can improve grasping, reaching, and in-hand
manipulation skills by constraining an individual’s less affected arm in a mitt,
cast, or sling, thereby forcing them to use their more affected side for the
majority of the time. A therapist will then lead the individual through
intensive training involving repetitive task performance to promote improved
functional use of the limb and increased motivation to use it when not
constrained.

Hippotherapy
Also known as equine assisted therapy, horseback riding under the direction of
an occupational or physical therapist is another treatment that is shown to
improve mobility and coordination for individuals with ataxia. This intervention
engages multiple body systems through incorporation of activities including
achieving and changing positions while on horseback. Hippotherapy promotes
improved core strength and posture that extends into better walking skills and
more accurate reaching to targets.

Gamified Therapy
Gamified therapies include digital products that can be used to address
functional impairments in a fun and stimulating environment. The Neofect Smart
Pegboard [https://www.neofect.com/us/smart-pegboard] is one example, targeting
dexterity, cognitive, and visual skills via multiple modes of gameplay. Users
are challenged to grasp, pinch, and release varied peg sizes and shapes while
paying attention to light and sound prompts during games like Simon Says, Memory
Placement, and Snake Trap.

Studies support that gamified rehab approaches can be more engaging than
traditional therapeutic techniques, promoting better compliance and improved
motor outcomes. Research specific to the Neofect Smart Pegboard supports that
regular gameplay can produce lasting improvements in arm and hand function for
daily tasks.



Ultimately, ataxia can be a challenging symptom to address due to the variety of
diagnoses that it may stem from. However, therapeutic interventions have shown
promise in reducing ataxia-related incoordination or providing means to
compensate for it. If you think you might be experiencing ataxia and are seeking
treatment options, please discuss your concerns with your medical team.

References

 1.  Columbia University Department of Neurology. (2015). Ataxia. Retrieved from 
     http://www.columbianeurology.org/neurology/staywell/document.php?id=35869
 2.  Ashizawa, T., & Xia, G. (2016). Ataxia. Continuum (Minneapolis, Minn.),
     22(4), 1208–1226. doi:10.1212/CON.0000000000000362
 3.  Brunberg JA; Expert Panel on Neurologic Imaging. Ataxia. AJNR Am J
     Neuroradiol. 2008 Aug;29(7):1420-1422.
 4.  Fernandez, H. (2019). Ataxia. Retrieved from 
     http://www.movementdisorders.org/MDS/About/Movement-Disorder-Overviews/Ataxia.htm
 5.  National Ataxia Foundation. (2019). What is Ataxia? Retrieved from 
     https://ataxia.org/what-is-ataxia/#ataxiaSymptoms
 6.  NORD National Organization for Rare Disorders. (2003). Apraxia. Retrieved
     from https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/apraxia/
 7.  Reiss, A. P., Wolf, S. L., Hammel, E. A., Mcleod, E. L., & Williams, E. A.
     (2012). Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT): Current Perspectives
     and Future Directions. Stroke Research and Treatment, 1–8. doi:
     10.1155/2012/159391
 8.  Shurtleff, T. L., Standeven, J. W., & Engsberg, J. R. (2009). Changes in
     Dynamic Trunk/Head Stability and Functional Reach After Hippotherapy.
     Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 90(7), 1185–1195. doi:
     10.1016/j.apmr.2009.01.026
 9.  Hartley, H., Cassidy, E., Bunn, L., Kumar, R., Pizer, B., Lane, S., &
     Carter, B. (2019). Exercise and Physical Therapy Interventions for Children
     with Ataxia: A Systematic Review. The Cerebellum. doi:
     10.1007/s12311-019-01063-z
 10. Cho, M., Kim, D., & Yang, Y. (2015). Effects of visual perceptual
     intervention on visual-motor integration and activities of daily living
     performance of children with cerebral palsy. Journal of physical therapy
     science, 27(2), 411–413. https://doi.org/10.1589/jpts.27.411

For more information on Ataxia
National Ataxia Foundation - What is Ataxia [https://ataxia.org/what-is-ataxia/]
Mayo Clinic - Ataxia
[https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ataxia/symptoms-causes/syc-20355652]
Johns Hopkins Medicine - Ataxia
[https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/neurology_neurosurgery/centers_clinics/ataxia/conditions/index.html]
WebMD - Ataxia: What Are the Types?
[https://www.webmd.com/brain/ataxia-types-brain-and-nervous-system#1]

Apraxia is a disorder that can result from a stroke, brain injury, brain tumor, or neurodegenerative disease. This condition usually results from damage to the left hemisphere of the brain.

What is Apraxia?



What does it mean to have apraxia?
Throughout the course of a day, the human body is constantly coordinating
movement. Actions that seem effortless, like waving hello, catching a ball, or
using a toothbrush, are actually the result of the brain sending a precise
series of messages to the limbs to move the muscles. Therapists often use the
term motor planning to describe the ability to perform movements in the right
order to form actions. When brain areas controlling movement are damaged, a
breakdown in motor planning occurs. This breakdown can also be referred to as 
apraxia.

Apraxia is a disorder resulting from a stroke, brain injury, brain tumor, or
neurodegenerative disease. This condition usually appears after damage to the
left hemisphere of the brain. It can affect one or more areas of the body,
including the arms, legs, or even the face. The scientific community has not yet
reached an agreement on the many proposed forms of apraxia or how to classify
them. For purposes of this article, we will explore how apraxia can affect
actions related to arm movements and how this condition can be treated by
therapists and caregivers alike.

How can you tell if someone has apraxia?
Apraxic movement errors are not caused by one-sided arm weakness
[https://www.neofect.com/us/blog/hemiplegia-vs-hemiparesis] related to a
neurological event. In fact, a person who has apraxia might not have noticeable
arm weakness at all. Instead, they might look like their arm movements are
slowed down or clumsy. This is because their brain has lost the ability to
smoothly motor plan actions from start to finish. They may now need to spend
more time thinking through the individual steps of a task.

Apraxia can affect a person’s ability to copy a gesture, even after seeing a
demonstration. Someone with apraxia may not be able to mimic the thumbs up sign
or wave on command. Apraxia can also reduce understanding of the purpose of
objects, resulting in incorrect tool use. A person with apraxia might use a
hammer by holding it upside down or raking it across a table. They might bring a
hairbrush to their mouth or brush their hair in upward strokes instead of
downward.


Copying a simple gesture might be difficult for someone with apraxia, as they
may no longer understand its meaning.

The automatic ability to perform a familiar movement or use a common object may
be preserved despite apraxia. A person with apraxia might be able to pick up a
telephone as it rings or spontaneously wave goodbye to a family member even when
they cannot demonstrate either action upon command. Automatic performance of arm
movements may not always be present or shown consistently. Regardless, when
working with people with apraxia, it is best to practice re-learning simple
tasks in their natural context for maximum skill carryover.

How can I help my loved one with apraxia?
A good approach to helping someone with apraxia is establishing a consistent
routine of daily tasks. A well-rounded routine can include eating meals, getting
dressed, performing hygiene, and completing familiar chores or leisure
activities. Minimize distractions in the environment so the affected person can
stay focused. Provide hand-over-hand guidance and verbal instructions if the
person with apraxia seems stuck on a movement or begins to perform it
incorrectly. Once you have started guiding the correct movement pattern, attempt
to fade your assistance to see if they can finish the task.


Remove clutter and unnecessary items in common workspaces to maximize success.

Through repetition of familiar actions and task grading (adjusting a daily
routine to include easier or more complicated tasks based on performance)
movement patterns can be restored so that actions are performed more
automatically. But, for some, apraxia will be a long-lasting condition. It's
important to remain patient and understanding when interacting with someone with
apraxia, as they might need more time or extra physical help to get started
doing the things they want to do.

As apraxia often occurs alongside aphasia
[https://www.neofect.com/us/blog/stroke-lingo-part-1], a communication disorder,
it's important to provide multiple ways to understand the task at hand. It's
also advised to consider related coordination disorders when diagnosing apraxia,
including ataxia [https://www.neofect.com/us/blog/what-is-ataxia]. If you are
unsure whether certain symptoms are related to apraxia, discuss your concerns
with a medical or therapy team.

The NEOFECT [https://www.neofect.com/en/] line of Smart Rehabilitation Solutions
can assist with coordination difficulties stemming from stroke or other
neurological diagnoses. Our neurorehabilitation products include support from
occupational therapists to maximize your functional gains. Please call (866)
534-4989 or email contactus@neofect.com for further inquiry.

 1. Wong AL, Haith AM, Krakauer JW. Motor Planning. The Neuroscientist.
    2014;21(4):385-398. doi:10.1177/1073858414541484.
 2. Gross R. G., Grossman M. (2008). Update on apraxia. Curr. Neurol. Neurosci.
    Rep. 8 490–496. 10.1007/s11910-008-0078-y
 3. Petreska B, Adriani M, Blanke O, Billard AG. Apraxia: a review. Prog Brain
    Res. 2007;164:61–83.
 4. Fernandez YM, Frucht SJ. Primary progressive apraxia: an unusual ideomotor
    syndrome. Journal of Clinical Movement Disorders. 2017;4(1).
    doi:10.1186/s40734-017-0064-0.
 5. Rapcsak S, Ochipa C, Beeson P, Rubens A. Praxis and the Right Hemisphere.
    Brain and Cognition. 1993;23(2):181-202. doi:10.1006/brcg.1993.1054.
 6. Heugten CV, Geusgens C. Strategies to Compensate for Apraxia Among Stroke
    Clients. International Handbook of Occupational Therapy Interventions.
    January 2009:241-248. doi:10.1007/978-0-387-75424-6_22.
 7. Donkervoort M, Dekker J, Deelman B. The course of apraxia and ADL
    functioning in left hemisphere stroke patients treated in rehabilitation
    centres and nursing homes. Clinical Rehabilitation. 2006;20(12):1085-1093.
    doi:10.1177/0269215506071257.
 8. Kobayashi S, Ugawa Y (2013) Relationships between Aphasia and Apraxia. J
    Neurol Transl Neurosci 2(1): 1028.

For More Information on Apraxia:
WebMD - Apraxia: Symptoms, Causes, Tests, Treatments
[https://www.webmd.com/brain/apraxia-symptoms-causes-tests-treatments#1]
Wikipedia - Apraxia [https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apraxia]
National Organization of Rare Disorders - Apraxia
[https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/apraxia/]

All content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and is not
intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or
treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health
provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. If you
think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.
Reliance on any information provided by the NEOFECT website is solely at your
own risk.

Hemiplegia and hemiparesis could seem very similar because they sometimes have the same underlying symptoms. However, they have different meanings.

Hemiplegia vs. Hemiparesis

Do you ever get mixed up trying to distinguish hemiplegia from hemiparesis? With
all of the confusing stroke terminology out there, it's hard to tell the
difference.



Hemiplegia and hemiparesis may seem very similar because hemiplegia and
hemiparesis have the same underlying symptoms. However, these terms have
slightly different meanings.

In this article, we'll break down the difference between hemiplegia and
hemiparesis, describe how to manage hemiplegic or hemiparetic arm weakness, and
review the long-term outcomes of each condition.


Hemiplegia and Hemiparesis

 * Definitions
 * Causes
 * Symptoms
 * Management
 * Prognosis
 * Conclusion

Definitions of Hemiplegia and Hemiparesis
How can one tell the differences between hemiparesis and hemiplegia? Both
conditions may be accompanied by symptoms including loss of movement
[https://www.neofect.com/us/blog/3-ways-to-recover-hand-motion-following-stroke]
, loss of sensation, abnormal muscle tone (hyper or hypotonicity), and loss of
postural control. One-sided weakness from hemiparesis or hemiplegia may span
from the head (including facial muscles), through the trunk and the arm, and
down to the legs. These can conditions even cause weakness on muscles inside of
the body!

Ultimately, there is a distinction between the two terms:

Hemiparesis
Hemiparesis indicates a mild to moderate degree of muscular weakness on one side
of the body.


Hemiplegia
Hemiplegia indicates a severe or complete loss of movement function on one side
of the body.


Although these terms are similar and often used synonymously, hemiparesis
relates to a milder form of one-sided weakness than hemiplegia. Hopefully that
begins to clear things up!

Causes
Hemiplegia and hemiparesis often have the same causes; however, use of one term
or the other depends on the severity of muscle weakness and dysfunction
resulting from central nervous system (brain or spinal cord) injury.

Brain damage can disrupt many functions, including movement control, sensation,
coordination, and thinking skills. Damage may alter or destroy the brain's
underlying neural pathways, the structures responsible for sending messages
related to controlling the rest of the body. Abnormalities in brain areas
responsible for controlling movement and muscle tone are primarily responsible
for causing hemiparesis or hemiplegia.


Hemiparesis or hemiplegia may occur as a result of the following diagnoses:

 * Stroke [https://us.blog.neofect.com/what-are-the-different-types-of-stroke/]: Stroke is one
   of the most common causes of one-sided bodily weakness. The severity of
   muscle weakness that you experience can depend on the size and location
   damage within the brain
   
   
 * Traumatic brain injury (TBI): A TBI can cause permanent brain damage. If the
   trauma only affects one side of the brain, hemiplegia can result on the
   opposite side of the body. Common causes of trauma include car accidents,
   falls, or blows to the head.
   
   
 * Spinal cord injury (SCI): SCI has many presentations. Depending on where the
   spinal cord was damaged, resultant weakness may affect only one side of the
   body.
   
   
 * Brain Tumors: Brain tumors can lead to a variety of physical problems
   including hemiplegia. Symptoms of hemiplegia may get worse as the tumor grows
   and invades brain areas that control movement.
   
   
 * Additional Causes: Multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy,
   amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
   
   


Symptoms
Hemiplegia or hemiparesis may present differently from person to person. Common
symptoms of these conditions include:

 * Muscle weakness wasting, or atrophy
   
   
 * Loss of coordination lack of gross or fine motor skills resulting in
   difficulties sitting, standing, walking, or reaching
   
   
 * Loss of normal muscle tone resulting in stiffness, spasticity, flaccidity
   
   
 * Loss of sensation difficulty detecting texture, temperature, touch, or pain
   
   


Management
There are many ways to manage symptoms of one-sided weakness from hemiplegia or
hemiparesis. Common treatment approaches include remediating physical function 
by strengthening muscles and restoring lost skills or compensating for
independent function using supportive devices.


Rehabilitation Treatment
The concept of neuroplasticity
[https://www.neofect.com/us/blog/why-neuroplasticity-matters-to-post-stroke-rehabilitation]
, which states that the body can adapt to the environment and change even after
the brain is damaged, suggests that it is possible to improve hemiplegic
symptoms through rehabilitation. High-frequency and high repetition
strengthening exercise and functional task training may help reduce weakness.

Equipment/devices
Assistive devices are used to enable independent functioning by supplementing
skills that the user cannot perform independently.

Common assistive devices used to make up for one-sided weakness include:

 * Mobility aids: wheelchair, walker, cane
 * Meal aids: universal cuff, built-up utensils, suction cup plates, high wall
   plates, no-slip mats
 * Dressing aids: reacher, sock aid, elastic shoelaces, long shoehorn
 * Bath accessories: shower chair, tub bench, raised toilet seat, grab bars,
   long-handled sponge
 * Bowel and bladder aids: catheter equipment, bowel program equipment
 * Splints and braces for the arm or leg

Mental health management
A significant medical condition associated with reduced physical functioning,
daily routine changes, or increased dependency on others can contribute to
feelings of hopelesness or depression. It is recommended that survivors partake
in psychological counseling to provide support, promote appropriate adjustment
to disability, and instill coping mechanisms and hope. Always ask your primary
doctor about mental health resources or a referral to a counselor in the event
that you are struggling.




Prognosis
What is the prognosis for hemiparesis or hemiplegia?

The prognoses of hemiplegia and hemiparesis are difficult to predict because
symptoms may change over time. Each person is different in how they recover from
brain, spinal cord, or nerve damage due to variables like age, current health,
and other underlying factors. Some will recover quickly with no treatment while
others will only see minor improvements even with extensive therapy.

However, even after damage, nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord show
capability to rewire and adapt to regain lost functions. It is possible for
older nerve pathways to heal and resume their original function or for
different, undamaged areas to perform the functions of the damaged area instead.

In order to promote neuroplastic changes for improved physical functioning,
health management, rehabilitation, and therapeutic activities and exercise are
vital. It helps to have a supportive medical team to guide you throughout the
process.

Research on the brain has been conducted for a very long time. Thanks to the studies, most of us know that the brain is a very important part of our body.

Delicate Movements are More Effective for Changes in the Brain

Delicate Movements are More Effective for Changes in the Brain


Research on the brain has been conducted for a very long time. Thanks to the
studies, most of us now know that the brain is a very important part of our
body. In the initial stage of brain studies, Frisch and Hitzig conducted their
research on the brains of dogs. They engaged in experiments with the dog brains
and were the first to prove that the right hemisphere is responsible for the
left set of limbs and the left hemisphere responsible for the right.

Initially, the research was mainly conducted on dogs and cats, and thereafter on
primates that resemble human beings. An iconic researcher of the field is
Sherrington. He conducted his research on monkeys and found parts of the brain
that control each of the movements through electric stimulation on the motor
area of the cerebral cortex.

Recently, a researcher named Penfield, also a student of Sherrington, conducted
the same research used on monkeys to study areas of the brain controlling
movement, but this time on actual human beings.

Upon such findings, most parts of the motor area of human’s cerebral cortex were
found, but new questions started to form. A question was posed on whether the
movements in the motor area were for the control of individual muscles or for
the control of a set of multiple muscles needed for a specific movement.

A monkey was given instructions to make a delicate fist clench and a strong fist
clench, for which the activity of muscles and the activity of the motor area in
the cerebral cortex were both measured.



Results showed that there was no significant difference in the muscle activity
for the delicate and strong clenches, but the activity of the motor area in the
cerebral cortex was greater for the delicate clench than for the strong clench.
It concludes that for the activation or changes in the motor area of the
cerebral cortex in the brain, delicate movements may induce greater changes than
simple movements can.

If your sole purpose is to strengthen your muscles, simple movements would also
be effective, but delicate movements would be more helpful in inducing changes
in the brain. As such, wouldn’t the repetition of delicate movements bring about
better results than simple movements also in rehabilitation training? Visit our
website and get som information about delicate hand rehabilitation training.


*Neofect Home Inquiry:
-www.neofect.com [https://www.neofect.com/us]
-Phone: (888) 623-8984 [tel:+18886238984]

Hand Rehabilitation Training

Consider functional things that you can do with your affected side. Get out of the habit of moving your affected side with your "good" or non-affected side.

4 Tips for Combating Hemiplegia Using the Power of the Brain

With repetition as one of the main keys to improving movement, it’s important to 
consider creative ways to incorporate repetition into your daily rehabilitation
routine. Using virtual reality rehab devices such as the Neofect Smart Glove
[https://www.neofect.com/us/smart-glove] and Neofect Smart Board
[https://www.neofect.com/us/smart-board] can increase repetition 10x (250-300
repetitions) in the same amount of time as an outpatient therapy session (32
repetitions).



Here are four other ways that you can work on incorporating more repetition into
your daily rehabilitation routine:
 1. Consider functional things that you can do with your affected side. Even if
    it seems insignificant, something like using your affected side to turn on
    and off a light switch or open the fridge every time you do it, reinforces
    voluntary repetition. This idea of “forced-use” helps to reorganize the
    brain and recreate pathways to improve motor control. Additional repetition
    of functional movement can be added to your routine at home by using the
    Neofect Smart Glove or Smart Board. Virtual reality solutions like the 
    Neofect Smart Rehab devices [https://www.neofect.com/us] can encourage 10x
    more repetitions than traditional therapy sessions alone.
    
    
 2. Get out of the habit of moving your affected side with your “good” or
    non-affected side. For repositioning needs, try to move the side affected by
    the stroke on its own first before jumping in to “help”. It’s really easy to
    fall into “learned non-use” where your brain starts to forget about your
    affected side based on avoiding it as part of your daily routine. Force it
    to do as much active work as you can on a daily basis.
    
    



 3. Visualization has been proven to be an effective technique for motor
    improvement, even if you don’t have the functional movement to do the task
    itself. Visualization has long been used by high level athletes as a tactic
    for working toward maximizing their performance. For individuals that have
    had strokes, visualization of a particular activity such as raising the arm
    or leg, sends blood flow to the area of the brain responsible for that
    motion, activating that area.
    
    
 4. Mirror box therapy can also be effective in using the mirror neurons of the
    brain to trick the brain into thinking that the affected side is moving in a
    normal manner. In a review of studies on mirror therapy compared to other
    interventions, mirror therapy was shown to have a significant effect on
    motor function as well as pain and visual neglect.
    
    


*Neofect Home Inquiry:
-www.neofect.com [https://www.neofect.com/us]
-Phone: (888) 623-8984 [tel:+18886238984]

Lang, Catherine E et al. “Observation of amounts of movement practice provided
during stroke rehabilitation.” Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation
vol. 90,10 (2009): 1692-8. doi:10.1016/j.apmr.2009.04.005