In this chapter, J.J. Mowder-Tinney discusses the appropriateness of integrating variability into the plan of care. Variability is discussed through problem solving and the challenge point framework to keep the learner actively involved in problem solving during the process of finding movement solutions. Two different options for feedback are discussed along with their impact on function.

A learner’s focus of attention can be either internal, monitoring the way they move, or external, focusing on the actions of their movements and if the goal was achieved. J.J. Mowder-Tinney explores a comparison of two different cueing options to switch from internal to external focus of attention to increase effectiveness and efficiency of movement.

Intensity incorporated into mobility training provides four benefits, which will be discussed throughout this chapter. Learners will be able to gauge the level of intensity based on a patient’s heart rate, as well as use seven dimensions of challenge to adapt a mobility-training program.

J.J. Mowder-Tinney explains the importance of self-control cueing to keep your patient engaged and challenge themselves in motor learning. This practice session gives you quick and easy steps to facilitate your patient's involvement in their therapy. Starting from the beginning, keep your patient engaged and allow them to challenge themselves throughout the rehabilitation process.

There are many ways to facilitate neuroplasticity in people who have neurological deficits. This chapter will emphasize the key aspects of neuroplasticity and how to integrate those strategies into practice.

This chapter will highlight the applications of motor learning and the motor priming paradigm. A review of the OPTIMAL theory will set the stage for many examples and integration of autonomy, enhanced expectancy, and external focus.

The evidence regarding the benefits of integrating motor learning strategies into practice is undeniable. This chapter will review multiple motor learning theories and address specific strategies to facilitate therapists' ability to incorporate intensity, error, and motivation into any session.

Performing consistent and standardized outcome measures provides therapists the ability to assess if their interventions are challenging enough to the patient. They can also be used as an external cue to increase motivation. This chapter will review the clinical practice guidelines provided by the Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy.

This chapter will review the etiology of pusher syndrome to highlight the common presentations of this population. A discussion regarding the recommended evidence-based outcome measures will assist in guiding the therapists in what to choose to show improvement in outcomes.

A patient exhibiting pusher behavior requires a unique approach to improve their functional ability. This chapter will emphasize multiple intervention adjustments to improve the outcomes of someone with this type of presentation.

A patient with ataxia requires a unique approach to improve their functional ability and increase their safety during all activities. This chapter will emphasize multiple intervention adjustments to improve the outcomes of someone with this type of presentation.

A patient exhibiting spatial neglect requires a unique approach to improve their functional ability. This chapter will emphasize multiple intervention adjustments to improve the outcomes of someone with this type of presentation.

This chapter will review different movement strategies commonly seen when a person with a neurological deficit is limited in bed mobility. The foundation for improving function for this population requires practicing observational skills to improve focused intervention planning.

This chapter will build on the knowledge of typical movement from Chapter 1 and discuss the potential impairments limiting the movement. The key to reaching optimal outcomes with limited time is staying focused on treating the priority impairments identified for each individual. This chapter will provide multiple examples of this process with commonly seen limitations.

This chapter will provide multiple specific examples of how to incorporate a variety of motor learning strategies into practice for this movement. It will include a demonstration of a session that shows the progression of varying activities incorporating motor learning considerations including intensity, error, motivation, and external cues.

This chapter will review different movement strategies commonly seen when a person with a neurological deficit is limited in sit-to-stand. The foundation for improving function for this population requires practicing observation skills to improve focused intervention planning.

This chapter will build on the knowledge of typical movement from Chapter 1 and discuss the potential impairments limiting the movement. The key to reaching optimal outcomes with limited time is staying focused on treating the priority impairments identified for each person. This chapter will provide multiple examples of this process with commonly seen limitations.

This chapter will provide multiple specific examples of how to incorporate a variety of motor learning strategies into practice for this movement. It will include a demonstration of a session that shows the progression of varying activities incorporating motor learning considerations, including intensity, error, motivation, and external cues.

This chapter will review different movement strategies commonly seen when a person with a neurological deficit is limited in ambulation. The foundation for improving function for this population requires practicing observational skills to improve focused intervention planning.

This chapter will build on the knowledge of typical movement from Chapter 1 and discuss the potential impairments limiting the movement. The key to reaching optimal outcomes with limited time is staying focused on treating the priority impairments identified for each individual. This chapter will provide multiple examples of this process with commonly seen limitations.

This chapter will provide multiple specific examples of how to incorporate a variety of motor learning strategies into practice for this movement. It will include a demonstration of a session that shows the progression of varying activities incorporating motor learning considerations including intensity, error, motivation, and external cues.

In this first chapter, Dr. Grooms will review the basic neural anatomy and principles of neuroplasticity, focusing on the brain substrates for motor learning.

This section will expand upon the previous section by highlighting the anatomy and the principles of neuroplasticity to transition to mechanisms of motor learning and how the nervous system programs movement. This is a “bring-it-together" section before going into therapy implications.

This final section will utilize the knowledge of the previous two sections to provide concrete and implemental clinical practice changes to induce adaptive neuroplasticity, as well as highlight future directions for the field.

Basic physiological and anatomical information about disabling condition forms the background knowledge for therapists. This chapter will remind the attendee of the neuroanatomy and neural mechanisms associated with stroke.

Recovery of motor function after stroke is believed to rely on neural re-organization. The basis for motor rehabilitation approaches comes from basic animal and human studies of how behavioral experience influences neuroplasticity. This chapter will review the literature that has led to the development of basic principles of practice structure and the greatest neuroplasticity.

Rehabilitation needs to be evidence-based so that the most efficacious and effective interventions are provided to individuals with stroke. This chapter will present the evidence for the most-studied motor rehabilitation approaches for hemiparesis post-stroke.

It is clear from research conducted over the past 20 years that therapy facilitates motor recovery from stroke. Despite such rehabilitation however, individuals with stroke continue to experience long-term reduced motor function that interferes with successful engagement in daily activities. More effective interventions are needed. This chapter will describe some new approaches, mostly interventions to be used as instigators of motor practice, that offer promise for enhancing the brain’s ability to re-organize in response to motor practice.

This chapter will provide a distinction between the CNS and the PNS to set the stage for deeper explorations of both systems.

This chapter will begin with an explanation of the distinction between neurons and nerves, and review basic cellular anatomy and cell function. The remainder of the chapter will identify the types of cells found in the CNS and the basic function of each cell type.

This chapter will review the main neurotransmitters found in the brain. The two key functions of neurotransmitters (rapid communication vs. neuromodulation) will be discussed. Major locations of cells producing different types of neurotransmitters will be identified.

This chapter will introduce and discuss the functions of the spinal cord and brain stem. The main types of spinal nerves will be reviewed, followed by a review of the twelve cranial nerves.

This chapter will continue the discussion of major brain regions and functions, focusing on the cerebellum and subcortical structures. The main divisions of the cerebellum will be identified, and the function of the cerebellum will be reviewed. The key role of the thalamus will be discussed. Some of the major deficits resulting from damage to the thalamus and basal ganglia will be reviewed.

This chapter reviews the structural components and function of the limbic system. The interactions between the limbic system and other brain regions is vital in the regulation of emotion and memory.

The cerebral cortex, or neocortex, is the newest and most complex part of the brain. It is comprised of four lobes. This part of the brain is critical in higher-level cognitive processes. In this chapter, the organization and function of the cortex will be discussed.

Participants will be presented with treatment approaches for the post-stroke upper extremity with little to no movement. Risk factors for shoulder pain will be discussed as well as appropriate range of motion and positioning techniques for this population.

This chapter will present treatment approaches for the post-stroke upper extremity that presents with proximal movement, but which the patient considers “non-functional” secondary to lack of distal control.

This chapter will present treatment approaches for the post-stroke upper extremity that has regained movement but remains slow and poorly coordinated in daily living skills. Keys to developing skill in these patients, as well as the development of an independent practice program, will be presented.

This chapter will cover the process of neurological and functional recovery for persons who have acquired brain injury or stroke and their implications on the rehabilitation process. Dr. Bondoc will also explain the nature of spasticity and its impact on movement, functional recovery, and the development of secondary impairments.

This chapter will review neurophysiology of the motor unit and discuss the definition of spasticity and its impact on movement and posture of the arm and hand.

In this chapter Salvador Bondoc will review the somatosensory system and sub-modalities of somatosensation and describe pain and sensory impairments associated with the neurological UE following brain injury.

This chapter will cover conditions of the elbow that would benefit from positioning in an orthosis to maintain tissue length and prevent joint contractures. This volar based elbow orthosis will be described in detail regarding the appropriate thermoplastic material selection, pattern making, and fabrication techniques. Additional tips and tricks will be offered in an easy to follow format.

Many conditions require using an Anterior Elbow Orthosis as an intervention.  This chapter details these conditions and offers an easy method for fabrication of an Anterior Elbow Orthosis along with information on appropriate thermoplastic materials.

This chapter will cover conditions of the forearm, wrist, hand and fingers that would benefit from positioning in an orthosis to maintain tissue length and prevent joint contractures. This anti- spasticity orthosis will be described in detail regarding the appropriate thermoplastic material selection, pattern making, and fabrication techniques. Additional tips and tricks will be offered in an easy to follow format.