title: A dynamic systems/constraints approach to rehabilitation.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Classification systems (Nagi, International Classification for Function [ICF]) have become popular for categorizing the level of ability (ICF) or disability (Nagi) associated with movement disorders. Nevertheless, these classifications do not explore the ways in which one level may influence other levels. For example, how might the weakness and stiffness associated with some cases of cerebral palsy result in a stereotypical toe-gait? In this overview we describe a dynamic systems/constraints (DS/C) approach to understand relationships between levels, and how the approach can be used to rationalize a novel process for the evaluation and treatment of movement disorders.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  There are three specific aims in this paper: first to present a general systems approach to understanding behavior at different levels; second to present tools of, and the results of empirical work using the DS/C approach; third to discuss the clinical implications and results of clinical interventions motivated by DS/C analysis for children with cerebral palsy, and individuals with Parkinson disease.
authors.affiliation: Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Department of Rehabilitation Science, Boston University, Boston, USA. kgholt@bu.edu
authors.forename: Kenneth G
authors.initials: KG
authors.lastname: Holt
authors.forename: Robert O
authors.initials: RO
authors.lastname: Wagenaar
authors.forename: Elliot
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Saltzman
mesh_terms: D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D002547:Cerebral Palsy / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D002648:Child; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D006801:Humans; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D009069:Movement Disorders / Q000145:classification / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D010300:Parkinson Disease / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000534:rehabilitation