iPhysicalTherapy.com – Call us: 866-782-6258

Functional Ways to Measure Attention in Patients Post Stroke

Mike Studer, PT, DPT, MHS, NCS, CEEAA, CWT, CSST, CBFP, CSRP, FAPTA

June 6, 2013

Share:

Question

What are some ways that you measure attention in patients post-stroke?

Answer

There are several different ways to do it.  If you want to find a functional way by which to measure attention, you could actually work on testing an individual in a non-distracting environment.  You could run a Berg balance test.  You could time them while they are dressing.  You could test them in a communication skills effort.  Then, you could actually test them in the same exact examination with distraction, perhaps just an auditory background, perhaps a visual distraction, whatever your choice may be that would be very task specific.  Then re-measure them under the duress of the distraction with the same exact functional measure.  This may be one of the best facets by which attention rehabilitation and objectifying attention is actually coming to the world of rehabilitation.


mike studer

Mike Studer, PT, DPT, MHS, NCS, CEEAA, CWT, CSST, CBFP, CSRP, FAPTA

Mike Studer, PT, DPT, MHS, NCS, CEEAA, CWT, CSST, CBFP, CSRP, FAPTA, has been a PT since 1991, a board-certified neurologic PT in 1995, and a private practice owner since 2005. Dr. Studer has been an invited speaker covering all 50 states, 14 countries, and five continents, speaking on topics ranging from cognition and psychology in rehabilitation, aging, stroke, motor learning, motivation in rehabilitation, balance, dizziness, neuropathy, and Parkinson Disease. Dr. Studer was the founder and operator of Northwest Rehabilitation Associates in Oregon for 18 years and is now a co-founder and co-owner of Spark Rehabilitation and Wellness in Bend, OR. He is an adjunct professor at Touro University and has an additional appointment at UNLV. Dr. Studer also assists the USC-led national network of neurologic PT residencies (Neuroconsortium).In 2011, Mike was recognized as Clinician of the Year in the Neurologic and (in 2014) the Geriatric Academies of the APTA. He received the highest honor available in PT in 2020, being distinguished as a Catherine Worthingham Fellow of the APTA, joining a group of fewer than 300 persons then. Mike’s honors additionally reflect his service as Vice President of the Academy of Neurologic PT, and the Mercedes Weiss award for service to the Oregon chapter of APTA. He holds a trademark in dual task rehabilitation and has a patent pending on the same. Over his career, Mike has authored over 45 articles and seven book chapters, and he routinely has clinical research projects in affiliation with one of many universities. He is a consultant to professional athletes, including Major League Baseball players, competitive divers, and some of the most prolific climbers in world history. As a very fun and lighthearted note, Mike is the four-time and current WR holder for the fastest underwater treadmill marathon, a mark set most recently in January 2022. Mike authored The Brain That Chooses Itself, a practical and application-based guide to increasing healthspan and lifespan for laypersons and medical professionals alike.

 


Related Courses

Why this test? Clinical Decision Making for Balance
Presented by Mike Studer, PT, DPT, MHS, NCS, CEEAA, CWT, CSST, CBFP, CSRP, FAPTA
Recorded Webinar

Presenter

Mike Studer, PT, DPT, MHS, NCS, CEEAA, CWT, CSST, CBFP, CSRP, FAPTA
Course: #3185Level: Advanced2 Hours
  'What was excellent was his drafting of helpful reference charts for us to use and the clinical relevance of all the info included'   Read Reviews
When faced with limited time, resources, space, or information – how do clinicians decide the most optimal collection of balance tests for each patient? To make the best decision, therapists must consider many factors. Are you using the best decision-making process when examining a patient with imbalance? A short list of what will be covered in this advanced level course includes clinical decision-making for an imbalance examination, including factors such as: diagnosis, prognosis, personality and effect (low self efficacy, depression, agitation), cognitive impairment, reimbursement, fear of falling, and many more, Listen-in and learn how to choose the most optimal screening tools and tests for each patient!

Maximizing Patient Engagement Through the Science of Behavioral Economics
Presented by Mike Studer, PT, DPT, MHS, NCS, CEEAA, CWT, CSST, CBFP, CSRP, FAPTA
Recorded Webinar

Presenter

Mike Studer, PT, DPT, MHS, NCS, CEEAA, CWT, CSST, CBFP, CSRP, FAPTA
Course: #4595Level: Intermediate3 Hours
  'Understand patients motivations'   Read Reviews
Learn the evidence and the application of mastering your soft skills to optimize the patient experience and patient engagement. Be ready to improve in every aspect of patient care from the interview, diagnosis, education, intervention, and home exercise prescription.

Applications in Fear: The Most Pervasive Complication That You Can Treat and Prevent
Presented by Mike Studer, PT, DPT, MHS, NCS, CEEAA, CWT, CSST, CBFP, CSRP, FAPTA
Recorded Webinar

Presenter

Mike Studer, PT, DPT, MHS, NCS, CEEAA, CWT, CSST, CBFP, CSRP, FAPTA
Course: #4596Level: Intermediate2 Hours
  'I enjoyed seeing the video of the technique used with real patients'   Read Reviews
We all have fear, it is pervasive. In this course, we learn about how to recognize, treat, and prevent the secondary complications of fear – with an evidence-based approach.

Geriathletics: Applying Science to Maximize Health Span and Participation
Presented by Mike Studer, PT, DPT, MHS, NCS, CEEAA, CWT, CSST, CBFP, CSRP, FAPTA
Recorded Webinar

Presenter

Mike Studer, PT, DPT, MHS, NCS, CEEAA, CWT, CSST, CBFP, CSRP, FAPTA
Course: #4664Level: Intermediate3 Hours
  'Details, organization,'   Read Reviews
You are excited about dual-task treatment but unsure how to make it more fun. How can you apply the evidence in dual tasking to create a personalized dosage that is functionally gainful for your patients? Find out now with this course.

Clinical Applications in Neurology: Parkinson's Disease and Parkinson's Plus
Presented by Mike Studer, PT, DPT, MHS, NCS, CEEAA, CWT, CSST, CBFP, CSRP, FAPTA
Recorded Webinar

Presenter

Mike Studer, PT, DPT, MHS, NCS, CEEAA, CWT, CSST, CBFP, CSRP, FAPTA
Course: #3933Level: Advanced2 Hours
  'course material was current and accurate'   Read Reviews
This course intends to help the emerging neurologic-focused therapist move from intermediate to advanced, within the scope of their license. Neurology for the non-neurologist’s PD, PD+, and movement disorder focus aims to improve your clinical acumen, examination, education, and intervention skills, within this complex myriad of conditions…or at least as much as we can cover in 2 hours! This course is directly related to the practice of physical therapy and is therefore appropriate for the PT/PTA.