Archives

Upper Versus Lower Motor Neuron Disorders

January 31, 2024 by Ashley Zhinin.
Upper and lower motor neuron lesions are commonly seen by occupational therapy practitioners across the rehabilitation continuum. This resource will help clinicians distinguish between upper versus lower motor neuron disorders to guide the neurological assessment. Lundy-Ekman, L., & Weyer, A. Neuroscience: Fundamentals for rehabilitation (6th ed.) St. Louis, MO: Elsevier.   Zayia L. C., & Tadi […]
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What is Voice Preservation for ALS?

November 30, 2023 by Ashley Zhinin.
People with ALS often lose their speaking ability. Voice preservation is voice and message banking that allows people to record their voice for a more personalized voice experience with augmentative and alternative communication options.
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Bulbar Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

October 31, 2023 by Ashley Zhinin.
Bulbar amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is one type of ALS that first affects speech and swallowing. This handout explains bulbar ALS and how the speech-language pathologist will be involved. Yunusova, Y., Plowman, E. K., Green, J. R., Barnett, C., & Bede, P. (2019). Clinical measures of bulbar dysfunction in ALS. Frontiers in neurology, 10, 106.
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Kawa Model

June 1, 2023 by Ashley Zhinin.
This therapy material uses the Kawa Model as an intervention in order to educate about the role of occupational therapy, and help with goal setting and motivation. Video on how to use this resource: Carmody, S., Nolan, R., Ni Chonchuir, N., Curry, M., Halligan, C., & Robinson, K. (2007). The guiding nature of the kawa […]
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The Dynamic Use of the Kawa Model: A Scoping Review (2022)

June 1, 2023 by Ashley Zhinin.
This scoping review considered articles published in peer-reviewed journals or unpublished dissertations and theses that directly investigated the use of the Kawa model. A total of 10 research articles and three unpublished dissertations met the criteria and were critically reviewed for thematic analysis.  The thematic analysis identified the following themes regarding the Kawa model and […]
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Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Innovative Treatment Strategies

January 18, 2022 by Megan Berg.
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating progressive neuromuscular disease. Knowledge of the advances in equipment, technology, and therapeutic interventions help guide treatment for patients facing ever-changing challenges. This course will review the specific recommendations, equipment, and technology focused on keeping patients engaged in meaningful activities.
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Inadequate Fluid Intake in Long Term Care Residents: Prevalence and Determinants (2018)

January 13, 2022 by Megan Berg.
Previous research suggests that half of the LTC residents may be dehydrated. Dehydration is a form of malnutrition. The treatment of other illnesses can be complicated by dehydration including urinary tract and pulmonary infections, kidney stones, hyperthermia, constipation, orthostatic hypotension, and thrombo-embolic compilation. About 60% of LTC residents are hospitalized for dehydration complications and are […]
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Impact of Expiratory Strength Training in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (2016)

January 13, 2022 by Megan Berg.
The authors had 25 participants who were diagnosed with probable or definite ALS, according to the Revised El-Escorial criteria. All of the participants demonstrated reduced maximum expiratory pressure (MEP) when compared to normative data for his/her gender and age. The forced vital capacity was also greater than 60% for all the participants. The authors used […]
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Sialorrhea (Drooling)

December 26, 2021 by Megan Berg.
This handout describes the particular challenges of sialorrhea, or excessive salivation, brought on by various conditions in the adult population. The first page describes the condition and its causes. The second page offers an explanation of treatment options.
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