The Wolf Test and Stroke Rehabilitation

The Wolf Motor Function Test for Stroke Patients asseses and monitors upper extremity function in stroke patients and others who have injuries that limit normal motor function. In a report issued by Emory University on June 9, 2012 there is a description of the benefits of this test. It Includes a protocol and physical template that can be standardized and used regularly by a physical therapist or physician to evaluate the patient‘s improvement. It is more sensitive to individual changes in motor abilities than many other tests. It is easier to administer and requires less equipment than similar tests. In the US there are approximately 750,000 stroke victims each year. Of those 400,000 have physical and/or neurological disabilities. In addition over 80% of strokes affect upper limb movement, which results in a decreased quality of life for patients and necessitates the need for a caregiver. There are other motor function tests but they are more difficult to administer. Sometimes a limb is not paralyzed, but the difficulty introduced by an impairment can result in “non-use” of the affected arm. This ”limb choice” is not represented well in neuro-rehabilitation research and treatment. INTENSIVE MOTOR TRAINING OF THE AFFECTED LIMB CAN GREATLY IMPROVE PERFORMANCE IN STROKE PATIENTS. The Wolf Motor Function Test provides a standardized protocol for assessing upper extremity function and tracking improvements in stroke patients and those who have suffered other injuries that limit normal motor function of the arms and hands. The test measures the patient’s performance during general movements of the upper extremities, including reaching, lifting, gripping and fine motor control. It also allows for comparison of the mobility of the affected and unaffected upper limbs. The test consists of a scripted protocol that describes in detail the conditions under which the test should be administered i.e. the sitting position, camera placement, and a description of items to be used during the test. It also includes a physical template and instructions as to how to use the template during the test. Guidelines are specified in the protocol which enable standardization and finely tuned monitoring of motor function of the upper extremities. The test is also able to detect smaller degrees of change in performance (compared to other tests) and may be prescribed by a physical therapist or physician to be performed on a regular basis by stroke patients to aid in their recovery. Leading the way in upper extremity physical therapy solutions is the ARMTUTOR and the HANDTUTOR. The ARMTUTOR and HANDTUTOR systems have been developed to allow for functional rehabilitation of the upper extremity including the shoulder, elbow and wrist. The system consists of an ergonomic wearable glove and arm brace together with dedicated rehabilitation software. The ARMTUTOR™ and HANDTUTOR systems allow the physical and occupational therapist to report on and evaluate the patient’s functional rehabilitation progress. This allows the OT and PT to prescribe the correct customized and motivating intensive exercise practice to the manual rehabilitation therapy. Intensive repetition of movement is achieved through challenging games set to the patient’s ability. The system provides detailed exercise performance instructions and precise feedback of the patient’s efforts. Controlled exercise of multijoints within the normal movement pattern prevents the development of undesired and compensatory joint movement and ensures better performance of functional tasks. Telerehabilitation allows the recovering patient to continue his physical therapy at home. The system, which also includes the LEGTUTOR and 3DTUTOR, is used by many leading rehabilitation centers worldwide and has full FDA and CE certification. See WWW.MEDITOUCH.CO.IL for more information.