Stroke Continuing Education

Course Objectives

Upon successful completion of the course, participants will be able to:

• Discuss the neural organization of the central nervous system and the connections that contribute to the formation of motor plans and programs.
• Explain the differences between “top-down” hierarchical motor control theory and the newer systems model based on distributed control.
• Identify the interactions/levels of the major brain areas involved in voluntary movement.
• Describe the impact that the limbic system has on motor control and functional movement.
• Define the phrase “limbic drive” and explain its relevance to clinical practice.
• Describe the different stages of motor learning
• Describe the neuroanatomical circuits involved in feedforward/feedback control, limbic drive, memory, emotions, learning, and motivation.
• Identify various motor control theories and select valid approaches toward developing effective treatment plans for the neurologically impaired patient.
• Identify the appropriate tools to utilize to enhance motor learning.
• Incorporate the theories behind psychoneuroimmunology into a comprehensive treatment program.
• Identify and describe at least four valid, reliable tests/measures of motor, functional or motivational change in your patients.
• Develop a systematic checklist to determine if your approach to treatment is effective.
• Identify how to apply the principles from this course to a wide variety of medical diagnosis including Parkinson?s disease, stroke, neuro-oncology, various CNS disorders, TBI and dementia.

Learn From the Expert - Kim Klein, PT, MS, CLT

Kim Klein, PT, MS received her BS degree in physical therapy from Russell Sage College and an Advanced Masters Degree in physical therapy, specializing in neurology from Massachusetts General Hospital’s Institute of Health Professions.

In 1995 Ms Klein became certified as a Neurologic Clinical Specialist for pediatrics and adults through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialists. She has attended numerous seminars on motor learning, motor control and has continued to incorporate this growing body of knowledge into clinical practice and teaching. As a cancer survivor, Ms Klein has become increasingly involved in oncology rehab and in 2015 became a Certified Lymphedema Therapist. As a motivational speaker, Ms Klein has developed her own workshop for survivors entitled “Return to Self” a creative recovery journey from grief and loss to joy.

Ms Klein has over 30 years of experience with both pediatric and adult neurologic populations in the areas of acute care, home care, hospice, rehab, and out-patient and private practice. As an educator, she has served on the faculty at Northeastern University in Boston, Walsh University in Ohio and as the curriculum consultant at the University of Tampa.

Motor Control, Motor Learning and Motor Planning

• What is the definition of motor control?
• Definitions from the movement science field
• What are the three domains of motor control?
• Motor Control emerges from the integration of task
• The sequential operation of a number of motor programs
• Structures Involved in Motor Planning
• Premotor Areas
• Neural Organization
• Evolution of smooth, coordinated movement
• In which level of the brain are plans generated?
• The Projection System
• Prefrontal and Limbic System
• JEMM

Components of the Limbic System

• New Component of the Limbic System
• Limbic Connections
• The amygdala, hippocampus and hypothalamus sections of the brain
• Dynamic interplay between the limbic system and the motor system
• The primary generator of emotions and new research
• Get to know what “drives” your patient

Limbic Connections

• Limbic Dysfunction
• Skilled, or ballistic, movements
• Knowledge of results versus knowledge of performance
• Treatment General Suggestions
• Treatment Considerations
• Is Your Treatment Working?
• Bradykinesia, rigidity, festinating gait

Use of Sensory Input in Motor Control

• Open-loop control
• Closed-loop control is feedback
• Combination of feedback and feedforward

Course Test - Evaluate your knowledge

• Use the Healthclick proprietary online education system which provides the online student with:
• Worldwide access to high definition video, anatomical animations and images, and written information
• The highest quality film in the industry, you can see the difference!
• Stop and resume within a course, the Healthclick system will optimize your course based on your device, connection and remembers where you left off.
• Real-time course updates. We are always adding to each courses, updating content, adding animations, these are not static courses!
• Evaluate your knowledge with the course test on any device.
• Print your state course certificate for CE credit.
• Take the online test as many times as need in order to achieve a 70 % or greater score.