Treatment Protocols & Interventions Flashcards

Anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) applied over the ipsilesional motor cortex is intended to:

Answer: Increase cortical excitability

Anodal tDCS depolarizes neurons and increases excitability of the targeted cortex to support motor relearning.

Low-frequency (1 Hz) rTMS over the contralesional motor cortex is used to:

Answer: Reduce excessive interhemispheric inhibition of the lesioned hemisphere

Inhibiting the overactive contralesional cortex reduces its inhibition of the lesioned side.

The Shaker (head-lift) exercise for dysphagia primarily aims to improve:

Answer: Upper esophageal sphincter opening via suprahyoid strengthening

Strengthening suprahyoid muscles improves hyolaryngeal excursion and UES opening, reducing post-swallow residue.

Which positioning strategy helps prevent shoulder contracture in a patient with flaccid hemiplegia?

Answer: Arm supported with shoulder in some abduction and external rotation

Positioning in abduction and external rotation counters the typical adduction-internal rotation contracture pattern.

For a stroke survivor with memory impairment, which cognitive rehabilitation strategy has strong evidence for daily function?

Answer: External compensatory aids such as notebooks or electronic reminders

External memory aids help patients compensate and improve functional independence.

FES cycling is particularly useful after stroke for patients who:

Answer: Cannot generate sufficient voluntary lower-limb activity for cycling

FES cycling augments weak voluntary contraction, enabling repetitive lower-limb exercise in severely impaired patients.

According to stroke rehabilitation guidelines, virtual reality and gaming interventions are best described as:

Answer: A reasonable adjunct to improve upper-limb function and engagement

VR can increase repetition and motivation and is considered reasonable as an adjunct to usual care.