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 tfie 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 from The Haworth Document Delivery Service: 1–800–342–9678.]