Continuum of project Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Continuum of project - Article Example In addition to helping stroke survivors improve or regain skills and functions, these healthcare professionals can assist with adaptation and assistive devices. Modified constraint-induced therapy (mCIT) is an intensive motor practice. The therapy involves restricting the use of a less affected part of the body, which forces the patient to use the weakened part of the body. Regular practice can improve nerve function in the central nervous system. The therapy is applied with varying intensity and duration over time depending on the individual’s motor functioning. Electrical stimulation is used in treating hemiparesis to enhance sensory awareness, strengthen a weakened body part (such as the arm, leg, hand or foot) and improve range of motion. This procedure consists of placing small electrical pads on the weakened muscles of the affected body part. An electrical charge helps the muscles contract as the patient works to make it move. Cortical stimulation is a type of electrical stimulation, but instead of directly on the arm or hand, the electrodes stimulate the part of the brain called the cortex. The tiny electrode is placed on the dura, the tough membrane that covers the brain. The electrode sends an electrical current to the brain while the stroke survivor undergoes rehabilitation exercises. This treatment is a safe way to regain mobility. Motor imagery involves imagining the movement of the affected part of the body. This mental practice activates areas of the brain and muscles as if the patient is actually doing an activity. The network of nerves in the brain involved in visualization and physical movement overlap, making this an effective activity when paired with other therapies. Koziol, J.A., Feng, A.C. (2006). "On the analysis and interpretation of outcome measures in stroke clinical trials: lessons from the SAINT I study of NXY-059 for acute