ABSTRACT
SUMMARY. An understanding of the diagnosis of cerebral vascular accident (CVA) or stroke is especially important when working in the long term care setting because of the prevalence of CVA-related disability among long term care patients. It is imperative that the activities leader and physical therapist work closely together in the care and treatment of these patients. This paper reviews the etiology and clinical manifestations of patients who have suffered CVAs. Physical therapy treatment goals and strategies for stroke patients are discussed, with emphasis on patient positioning, exercise techniques, and activities. {Article copies available/rom The Haworth Document Delivery Service: /-800-342-9678.]
Amelia Finley Leonardi holds a BS in physical therapy and is a Master of Health Science candidate at Louisiana State University Medical Center (LSUMC), New Orleans. She is Physical Therapist and Clinical Instructor at LSUMC and Academic Coordinator of Clinical Education in the Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Delgado Community College, New Orleans. Ms. Leonardi has extensive clinical experience in the long term care setting, and serves on the National Advisory Board of the American Senior Fitness Association.
