The characteristics of movement disorders among stroke patients are mainly loss of voluntary control of the upper and lower limbs and trunk, or disability of functional movement. Functional recovery means the improvement of performance, functional movement ability, with respect to meaningful, practical problems in real life. This process can also be called the process of acquisition of skills in motor learning. In this paper, the current situation regarding physical therapy intervention, applying the theory of motor learning, as strategies for optimizing motor skills in stroke patients is explained.

View full abstract

In this paper an outline of acute stage physical therapy of cerebrovascular disease patients focusing on the very early stage (the period 2-3 weeks post onset) is presented. 1. Criteria of classification of cerebrovascular diseases: A review of the characteristics and clinical types and classifications according to the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare Circulatory Diseases Contract Research Group* and the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. 2. For the development of very early stage physical therapy, reconfirm surgical as well as internal medical treatments. 3. Cerebrovascular disease types and viewing of image data. 4. Review of management of risk in implementation of physical therapy during the very early stage of cerebrovascular diseases, and exercise methods for sitting tolerance. 5. Explanation of the importance of prognosis prediction and functional result in the very early stage.

View full abstract

This paper reviews recent developments in assessment and therapeutic approaches to unilateral spatial neglect (USN). In assessment, in addition to the degree and type of injury, checks on abnormal responses in daily activities, as well as knowledge of movement behavior in basic living activities are important. Furthermore, regarding the characteristics of the symptoms, it is indicated that analysis of responses due to postural change and task dependency is important. In therapeutic approaches, visual and non-visual systems, symptoms and cases are considered, and the importance of the utilization of a treatment method which is suitable to the type of USN is discussed. In addition, prism adaptation which has recently become a focus of interest is introduced.

View full abstract

The present review describes physical therapy of CVA patients in long-term care facilities. Physical therapy in the chronic stage of CVA can be effective if a goal for each patient is fairly determined. The another considers that systematic approaches to improvement of lifestyle activities in chronic CVA patients are key pointing for long-term care.

View full abstract