The Functional AmbulationThe ability to walk, with or without the aid of appropriate assistive devices (such as canes or walkers), safely and sufficiently to carry out mobility-related activities of daily living (ADLs). From Perry et al (1995), functional ambulation is referred to as walking in parallell bars for exercise at a speed of about 10/cm…

Functional electrical stimulation (FES), also sometimes called functional neuromuscular stimulation (FNS), is a technique used to elicit a voluntary muscle contraction during a functional task by applying low-level electrical current to the nerves that control muscles or directly over the motor end-plate of the muscle (just like a pacemaker makes a heart beat). Neuromuscular electrical…

Aquatic interventions are considered applicable to post-stroke rehabilitation as the properties of water support the effects of exercise on recovery. An early Cochrane review (Merholz, Kugler & Pohl, 2011) that looked at the effect of water-based exercise on activitiesAs defined by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, activity is the performance of a…

The Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale (ABC Scale) is a structured questionnaire that measures an individual’s confidence in performing activitiesAs defined by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, activity is the performance of a task or action by an individual. Activity limitations are difficulties in performance of activities. These are also referred to as…

Circuit training, also referred to as circuit therapy and circuit class therapy, comprises repetitive practice of task-specific exercises and activitiesAs defined by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, activity is the performance of a task or action by an individual. Activity limitations are difficulties in performance of activities. These are also referred to…

Restoring walking ability is one of the primary goals of strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”,…

Mirror therapy is a type of motor imagery whereby the patient moves his unaffected limb while watching the movement in a mirror; this in turn sends a visual stimulus to the brain to promote movement in the affected limb. Some of the effects of mirror therapy on the brain have already been demonstrated. A crossover…

Electromechanical gait trainers have been developed as an alternative to conventional gaitThe pattern of walking, which is often characterized by elements of progression, efficiency, stability and safety. training methods such as assisted overground walking and treadmill training. Electromechanical gaitThe pattern of walking, which is often characterized by elements of progression, efficiency, stability and safety. trainers…

Biofeedback (BFB) has been practiced in clinical settings since the 1970’s, and has become a commonly used treatment in strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80%…

The Berg Balance Scale (BBS) quantitatively assesses balance in older adults.