Action research in rehabilitation with chronic stroke recovery: A case report with a focus on neural plasticity.
BACKGROUND
Chronic stroke patients are primarily referred to general rehabilitation, rather than to specific neurorehabilitation. Currently, there are no Danish clinical guidelines for chronic stroke, but recent research in neuroplasticity has contributed to possible rehabilitation interventions for these patients.


OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this project is to describe the use of a specialized neuroplastic approach in combination with an already existing training program.


METHODS
The project is designed as an action research project concerning four participants with chronic stroke. Through ten intervention, a neuroplastic focus has been added to their group training program including daily home training. Participants were tested before and after the intervention with MAS, DGI, 6MWT, SSQLS.


RESULTS
All four participants improved their functional levels and their quality of life following the intervention.


CONCLUSIONS
This report indicates that a specific neuroplastic focus in combination with action research has an impact on the participants with chronic stroke. However, there is still no clarity regarding what type of rehabilitation methods can be considered the most efficacious in promoting neuroplasticity. This case report serves as a pilot project for further studies of how to implement neuroplasticity in physical therapy.
['Pedersen|Malene|M|', 'Bundgaard|Tina H|TH|', 'Zeeman|Peter|P|', 'Jørgensen|Jørgen R|JR|', 'Sørensen|Peter M B|PM|', 'Berro|Hamza M|HM|', 'Larsson|Bodil W|BW|']
D000368:Aged D005260:Female D006302:Health Services Research D006801:Humans D008297:Male D008875:Middle Aged D009473:Neuronal Plasticity D010865:Pilot Projects D011788:Quality of Life D020127:Recovery of Function D020521:Stroke D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation D016896:Treatment Outcome
action research chronic stroke case report Neuroplasticity physiotherapy