UE Function and Sensation

Question 1

What is the lowest level goal for UE function?

Answer 1

To make the UE mobile/ comfortable but nonfuncitonal

Question 2

What is the highest level goal for UE function?

Answer 2

To use the UE as a manipulator to reach and grasp objects

Question 3

The UE can be used as a ____ to hold objects against the body and as a _____ to deal with dexterous/ manipulation type activities.

Answer 3

Stabilizer

Gross Assist

Question 4

List 3 prerequisites needed for ‘normal’ UE function.

Answer 4

1. Postural Control
2. Vision and Visual Perception
3. Somatosensory function

Question 5

What is Fitt’s Law?

Answer 5

MT= a+b (log2 (2D/W))
MT= movement time
D= Distance between the person and the object 
W = object width

Question 6

Explain FItt’s law relative to movement time, distance, and object width.

Answer 6

As object width gets larger, movement time gets smaller because it is easier to grasp and manipulate

As distance increases, the movement time get larger because it gets more difficult to manipulate the object

Question 7

Accuracy demands of the task are decreased when a ____ release is added and increased when a ____ release is added.

Answer 7

Accuracy demands decrease when CRUDE release added

Accuracy demands increase when PRECISION release added

Question 8

Describe a grasp and 1 grasp manipulation.

Answer 8

Grasp: fingers manipulating/ lifting objects

Grasp with rotation: grasping an object and then turning it

Question 9

Describe a pinch and 1 pinch manipulation.

Answer 9

Pinch: Contact between index finger and thumb

Pinch with Rotation: turning a key

Question 10

What is the hardest task to recover and most difficult task to perform with the hand?

Answer 10

Isolated finger flexion and extension (I.e. typing and playing piano)

Question 11

____ % of stroke survivors suffer from shoulder pain.

Answer 11

70-80%

Question 12

List 4 signs and symptoms associated with shoulder pain experienced post stroke.

Answer 12

1. GH Alignment (subluxation)
2. Edema
3. Spasticity/Dystonia
4. Thalamic Pain

Question 13

What is thalamic pain? What is used to treat it?

Answer 13

Generalized response to non-noxious stimuli

Treated with NEUROTONIN

Question 14

What occurs with inferior shoulder subluxation? Cause?

Answer 14

Inferior shoulder subluxation impinges the head of the humerus, causing the humeral head to move anterior

Cause: Lack of muscle pump increases fluid resulting in EDEMA

Question 15

List 2 secondary impairments associated with shoulder subluxation.

Answer 15

1. Damage to shoulder capsule

2. Possible impingement of the subclavian vein

Question 16

List 4 interventions used to treat shoulder subluxation.

Answer 16

1. Positioning: support UE with pillows or lap tray when using W/C
2. Sling/Hemi-Sling
3. Taping: to facilitate deltoid and supraspinatus contraction
4. Electrical Stimulation

Question 17

List 3 interventions used to treat edema.

Answer 17

1. Compression garments
2. Correct GH subluxation
3. Positioning (at level or higher than level of the heart)

Question 18

List 1 intervention to treat somatosensation issues.

Answer 18

TENS set up with the glove set to sub-sensory threshold so the patient can’t feel it; left on for hours

Expands cortical representation of affected hand in brain to reduce pain and spasticity

Question 19

List 5 interventions used to improve strength and motor control of the UE.

Answer 19

1. PNF Diagonals (D1)
2. E-stim
3. Splinting/Bracing
4. Gravity Eliminated Open Chain
5. Train rotational planes (IR/ER, supination/pronation)

Question 20

Bimanual practice decreased ____ and increased ______.

Answer 20

Decreased trans-callosal inhibition

Increased ipsilateral control