STROKE REHABILITATION: OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY INTERVENTIONS FOR FUNCTIONAL RECOVERY AND PARTICIPATION

Abstract

Stroke remains one of the leading causes of long-term disability worldwide, contributing significantly to functional limitations and reduced quality of life (World Health Organization, 2023; Feigin et al., 2014). Occupational therapy (OT) plays a pivotal role in stroke rehabilitation by addressing impairments across motor, cognitive, perceptual, and psychosocial domains through a holistic and client-centered framework (American Occupational Therapy Association [AOTA], 2020). This chapter critically examines evidence-based occupational therapy interventions aimed at enhancing functional recovery and promoting participation in meaningful occupations. Key interventions discussed include task-specific training, constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT), cognitive rehabilitation, sensory-perceptual retraining, and activities of daily living (ADL) re-education, all supported by strong empirical evidence (Winstein et al., 2016; Pollock et al., 2014; Cicerone et al., 2011). Furthermore, the chapter explores the role of assistive technologies, environmental modifications, and caregiver training in facilitating independence and long-term adaptation (Gitlin et al., 2006; Kalra et al., 2004). Emerging innovations such as telerehabilitation, robotics, and virtual reality are also examined in the context of enhancing accessibility and treatment outcomes (Laver et al., 2020; Mehrholz et al., 2018; Saposnik et al., 2016). By synthesizing current evidence and practice frameworks, this chapter highlights the evolving role of occupational therapy in optimizing recovery trajectories and improving participation outcomes for individuals with stroke.