title: Behavioral, neurophysiological, and descriptive changes after occupation-based intervention.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We evaluated the effects of occupation-based intervention on poststroke upper-extremity (UE) motor recovery, neuroplastic change, and occupational performance in 1 research participant.
  
  
  METHODS
  A 55-yr-old man with chronic stroke and moderately impaired UE motor function participated in 15 sessions of occupation-based intervention in a hospital setting designed to simulate a home environment. We tested behavioral motor function (Fugl-Meyer Assessment, Stroke Impact Scale, Canadian Occupational Performance Measure) and neuroplasticity (transcranial magnetic stimulation [TMS]) at baseline and at completion of intervention. We collected descriptive data on occupational participation throughout the study.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All behavioral outcomes indicated clinically relevant improvement. TMS revealed bihemispheric corticomotor reorganization. Descriptive data revealed enhanced occupational performance.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Occupation-based intervention delivered in a hospital-based, homelike environment can lead to poststroke neuroplastic change, increased functional use of the affected UE, and improved occupational performance.
authors.affiliation: Cardinal Hill Rehabilitation Hospital, 2050 Versailles Road, Lexington, KY 40504, USA. camsku@insightbb.com
authors.forename: Camille
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Skubik-Peplaski
authors.forename: Cheryl
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Carrico
authors.forename: Laurel
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Nichols
authors.forename: Kenneth
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Chelette
authors.forename: Lumy
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Sawaki
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009048:Motor Skills; D009473:Neuronal Plasticity; D009788:Occupational Therapy; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D020127:Recovery of Function; D020521:Stroke / Q000503:physiopathology; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D034941:Upper Extremity / Q000503:physiopathology