Descriptive study on rehabilitation treatment and evaluation methods for improving upper limb function in stroke patients

Abstract

Stroke is a disease in the central nervous system in which sudden ischemia or haemorrhage in blood vessels disrupts the smooth blood supply to brain tissues, resulting in a partial loss of brain function and consequent functional disorders. Aim and Scope: To improve upper limb function, current stroke interventions employ various treatment methods targeted at the nervous system. Interventions and studies are underway regarding continuous upper limb training programs, such as constraint-induced movement therapy, mirror therapy, imagery training, and robot therapy. Method: In recent years, treatments using virtual reality systems have also been applied. And various evaluation methods were developed for stroke patients. However, despite the various treatment and evaluation methods introduced thus far, most therapists still insist on applying the methods that they have mainly been using. If the therapist can accurately recognize each treatment/evaluation methods and apply the appropriate treatment method to various situations, a more qualitative treatment can be applied. Conclusion: This study intends to introduce the existing treatment and evaluation methods of improving stroke patients’ upper limb function and find ways for therapists to make better use of them through a proper understanding of each method’s charac-teristics.