Stroke.Rehab Cross-Cord Certification Program

Table of Contents

1. Introduction to Stroke.Rehab Cross-Cord Certification Program
   1.1. Overview of Course Philosophy
   1.2. Target Audience
   1.3. Course Duration and Structure
   1.4. Certification and Assessment Criteria
2. Course Objectives
   2.1. Learning Outcomes
   2.2. Skills and Knowledge to be Acquired
   2.3. Practical Application Focus
3. Course Outline and Schedule
   3.1. Day 1: Advanced Spasticity and Hemiplegia Management
   3.1.1 Morning Session: Neurophysiology of Spasticity
   3.1.2 Practical: Cross-Cord and Priming Strategies
   3.2. Day 2: Foot and Ankle Recovery
   3.2.1 Morning Session: Neurophysiology of Foot Drop
   3.2.2 Practical: Functional Ankle Stabilization and Priming
   3.3. Day 3: Balance Optimization and Enhanced Rehabilitation Strategies
   3.3.1 Morning Session: Balance Neuroanatomy
   3.3.2 Practical: Graded Balance Program
   3.4. Day 4: Shoulder and Arm Function Recovery
   3.4.1 Morning Session: Motor Control in the Upper Limb
   3.4.2 Practical: Bilateral Movement Training
   3.5. Day 5: Normalizing Walking After Stroke
   3.5.1 Morning Session: Gait Neuroanatomy
   3.5.2 Practical: Quadrupedal and Bilateral Strategies for Walking
   3.6. Day 6: Reducing Knee Hyperextension
   3.6.1 Morning Session: Knee Neurophysiology and Functional Re-training
   3.6.2 Practical: Walking Normalization and Exam Instructions
4. Detailed Course Content
   4.1. Neurophysiological Foundations of Motor Recovery
   4.2. Cross-Cord and Bilateral Training Strategies
   4.3. Practical Applications of Priming Techniques
   4.4. Sensory-motor Feedback and Circuit Training
5. Assessment and Certification
   5.1. Written Examination Guidelines
   5.2. Practical Examination Criteria
   5.3. Certification Requirements and Issuance
6. Graduation and Post-Course Support
   6.1. Post-Course Integration of Skills
   6.2. Access to Continued Learning Resources

Introduction to Stroke.Rehab Cross-Cord Certification Program

The Stroke.Rehab Cross-Cord Certification Program offers an advanced, immersive experience for rehabilitation professionals specializing in stroke recovery. The program focuses on practical application, providing participants with hands-on training in cross-cord and bilateral movement strategies aimed at optimizing motor control, limb recovery, and functional movement in stroke survivors. By emphasizing spasticity management, gait normalization, and limb rehabilitation, this course ensures that participants acquire both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to support post-stroke rehabilitation.

Course Objectives

By the end of the program, participants will have acquired the following skills and knowledge:

• Advanced Spasticity Management: Understanding the neurophysiology of spasticity and hemiplegia and applying cross-cord and bilateral strategies to reduce spasticity.
• Foot and Ankle Recovery Expertise: Proficiency in restoring foot and ankle function through reflex utilization, stabilization exercises, and step-by-step rehabilitation techniques.
• Balance and Motor Control Optimization: Mastery of graded balance programs and the sensory-motor feedback required to enhance post-stroke recovery.
• Upper Limb Recovery Techniques: Skills in shoulder and arm rehabilitation, focusing on proprioception, muscle isolation, and bilateral movement training.
• Gait Normalization: Ability to support walking rehabilitation through quadrupedal transfers and cross-cord strategies, addressing the weak muscular chains affecting gait post-stroke.
• Reducing Knee Hyperextension: Targeted approaches for addressing knee hyperextension through neuroanatomical understanding and practical rehabilitation techniques.

Course Outline and Schedule

Day 1: Advanced Spasticity and Hemiplegia Management

08:00 AM - Welcome and Introduction
Session 1: Neurophysiology of Spasticity and Hemiplegia

• Neurophysiological mechanisms behind spasticity
• Cross-cord strategies for spasticity management

Session 2: Cross-Callosal and Bilateral Movement Training

• Bilateral movement strategies
• Enhancing sensory feedback for functional recovery

Day 2: Foot and Ankle Recovery
08:00 AM - Neuroanatomy of Foot and Ankle Post-Stroke

• Addressing foot drop and ankle inversion
• Initiating movement and recovery in the foot and toes

Session 2: Ankle Stabilization and Recovery

• Reflex utilization for foot stabilization
• Rebuilding ankle control for brace-free walking

Day 3: Balance Optimization and Rehab-Enhancing Strategies
08:00 AM - Vestibular Mechanisms and Balance Recovery

• External and internal vestibular systems
• Sensory-motor feedback in motor control

Session 2: Graded Balance and Stabilization Training

• Priming strategies for enhanced balance recovery
• Graded challenges to reinforce motor learning

Day 4: Shoulder and Arm Function Recovery
08:00 AM - Motor Control in the Shoulder and Arm

• Neurophysiology of upper limb function
• Re-establishing proprioception and load-bearing capacity

Session 2: Functional Upper Limb Training

• Priming and bilateral movement training
• Addressing compensatory strategies in shoulder recovery

Day 5: Normalizing Walking After Stroke
08:00 AM - Gait Rehabilitation

• Neurophysiology of walking
• Bilateral movement strategies to support walking

Session 2: Gait Optimization and Quadrupedal Transfer

• Priming techniques to normalize walking
• Graded challenges for optimal motor learning

Day 6: Reducing Knee Hyperextension and Graduation
08:00 AM - Addressing Knee Hyperextension

• Re-distribution of forces around the knee
• Strengthening the muscular chain for knee stability

Session 2: Exam and Graduation

• Written and practical exams
• Certification and instructions for integrating knowledge

Detailed Course Content

The content of the course is designed to blend neurophysiological theory with hands-on practice. Participants will explore foundational elements such as spasticity management, cross-cord strategies, and priming techniques in a real-world setting, ensuring they can effectively apply these skills in their rehabilitation practice. Specific attention will be given to:

• Neurophysiological Foundations: Understanding motor recovery from a neurological perspective.
• Cross-Cord and Bilateral Training: Utilizing advanced techniques to support motor function recovery.
• Priming Techniques: Preparing the body for movement recovery through neurological stimulation.
• Sensory-Motor Feedback Circuits: Engaging the sensory-motor circuits for enhanced motor control.

Assessment and Certification

Participants will be required to pass both a written examination and a practical skills assessment to earn certification. Assessments will focus on the participant's ability to apply cross-cord rehabilitation strategies effectively in a clinical setting.

Graduation and Post-Course Support

Upon completing the course, graduates will receive a Stroke.Rehab Cross-Cord Certification, allowing them to apply advanced stroke rehabilitation techniques professionally. Continued support will be provided, including access to learning resources and a network of stroke recovery specialists to ensure ongoing professional development.