Introduction

According to the 2010 Global Burden of Disease Study (2010), Stroke categorised under Cardiovascular and Circulatory Diseases, is the second leading cause of death globally and the third leading cause of premature death and disability as measured in Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALY). A challenge to global health, the prevalence of stroke and its cost is likely to rise as the aging population increases.

Stroke is a complex pathology with many different clinical presentations each with unique impairments and activity limitations. Physiotherapy can have a massive impact on quality of life of a Stroke survivor.  When working with individuals with acute and chronic impairment as a result of stroke, best practice requires a good understanding of the pathology and skills in assessment and treatment selection and rehabilitation.  Stroke is a large topic area, and can be studied as an area of clinical specialism within Physiotherapy, therefore this course is by no means exhaustive.

Learning outcomes

At the end of this course you will be able to:

• identify three modifiable risk factors for Stroke
• compare and contrast the two main classifications of Stroke
• describe four clinical presentations of Stroke and outline the resulting deficits
• analyse the prevalence of Stroke in your community compared to the rest of the world
• examine three ways in which damage to the brain influences movement and posture related to the different classifications of Stroke
• compare and contrast three Stroke Assessment Scales used to assess an individual following Stroke
• explain four principles underlying assessment of Stroke to ensure a holistic approach
• choose six specific Outcome Measures to quantify impairment or functional limitation level post Stroke
• Debate the role of clinical guidelines in Stroke management
• Identify when brain imaging should be performed immediately for patients with persistent neurological symptoms.
• Select two appropriate treatment options for an individual following Stroke
• Discuss the role of physiotherapy in secondary prevention of Stroke
• Describe how the role of a physical therapist fits within the multiple within an ideal multidisciplinary team working with an individual post stroke
• Identify six different evidence based therapeutic approaches to managing an individual following Stroke
• Develop a treatment plan involving three evidence based specific therapeutic interventions based on an assessment of an individual with stroke
• Describe the rationale and application of three evidence based strategies to increase upper extremity function after stroke
• Design an exercise program for an individual following stroke related to their specific presentation.

Target audience

This course is aimed at Physiotherapy and Physical Therapy professionals, clinicians and students.

Practicalities

• Availability - this course is online and can be completed on your own schedule.
• Hours of Learning - No deadlines are applied to this course and it can be started and completed in your own time according to your personal schedule. We expect the required elements to take around 30-32 hours depending on your schedule and learning style. Additionally there are many optional resources provided and if you choose to review these the course could take longer to complete.
• Types of Activities - This course includes instructional and/or practical videos, reading activities, AI supported learning activities, reflection, evaluation forms, a quiz and additional resources.
• Certificates - At the end of the course, when you have completed all of the required elements, you will be able to download a certificate of completion and 30.2 Plus points will be added to your personalised learning dashboard.

Accessibility and Non-Discrimination Policy

Physiopedia Plus is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible learning environment for all participants. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, national origin, religion, sex, disability, military status, sexual orientation or age in any aspect of our continuing education services. We are dedicated to ensuring that all learners can fully participate in our programmes. Participants who require accommodations or have special needs are encouraged to contact us with details so that we can make all reasonable efforts to meet these requirements.