Theresa DiRusso

Bio: Theresa DiRusso is an academic researcher. The author has contributed to research in topics: Occupational therapy. The author has an hindex of 2, co-authored 2 publications receiving 59 citations.

Effect of imagery perspective on occupational performance after stroke: a randomized controlled trial.

Abstract: OBJECTIVE. This preliminary study sought to determine whether the imagery perspective used during mental practice (MP) differentially influenced performance outcomes after stroke. METHOD. Nineteen participants with unilateral subacute stroke (9 men and 10 women, ages 28–77) were randomly allocated to one of three groups. All groups received 30-min occupational therapy sessions 2×/wk for 6 wk. Experimental groups received MP training in functional tasks using either an internal or an external perspective; the control group received relaxation imagery training. Participants were pre- and posttested using the Fugl-Meyer Motor Assessment (FMA), the Jebsen–Taylor Test of Hand Function (JTTHF), and the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM). RESULTS. At posttest, the internal and external experimental groups showed statistically similar improvements on the FMA and JTTHF (p < .05). All groups improved on the COPM (p < .05). CONCLUSION. MP combined with occupational therapy improves upper-extremity recovery after stroke. MP does not appear to enhance self-perception of performance. This preliminary study suggests that imagery perspective may not be an important variable in MP interventions

Using mirror therapy in the home environment: a case report

Abstract: Objective Mirror therapy (MT) is a potential intervention to improve function after stroke. How to apply this intervention in practice is not clear. This case report illustrates the feasibility and effectiveness of a self-administered home-based MT program. Method A home-based MT program was practiced over 5 wk. The participant was encouraged to use MT for 30 min 5×/wk. Therapist contact occurred 1×/wk to monitor performance. An independent evaluator administered three outcome measures pre- and postintervention: Upper Extremity Sensory and Pain sections of the Fugl-Meyer Assessment; Jebsen-Taylor Test of Hand Function, and the Manual Ability Measure-20. Results The participant engaged in a mean of 39.23 (±7.44) min of MT per day and used a variety of the recommended activities. Change scores indicated improvement on all of the included outcome measures. Conclusion This case report suggests that a predominantly self-administered home-based MT program is feasible and effective at improving function after stroke.

Movement Imagery Ability: Developmentand Assessment of a Revised Versionof the Vividness of Movement ImageryQuestionnaire

Abstract: The purpose of this research was to amend the Vividness of Movement Imagery Questionnaire (VMIQ; Isaac, Marks, & Russell, 1986) in line with contemporary imagery modality and perspective conceptualizations, and to test the validity of the amended questionnaire (i.e., the VMIQ-2). Study 1 had 351 athletes complete the 3-factor (internal visual imagery, external visual imagery, and kinesthetic imagery) 24-item VMIQ-2. Following single-factor confirmatory factor analyses and item deletion, a 12-item version was subject to correlated traits / correlated uniqueness (CTCU) analysis. An acceptable fit was revealed. Study 2 used a different sample of 355 athletes. The CTCU analysis confirmed the factorial validity of the 12-item VMIQ-2. In Study 3, the concurrent and construct validity of the VMIQ-2 was supported. Taken together, the results of the 3 studies provide preliminary support for the revised VMIQ-2 as a psychometrically valid questionnaire.

Upper Limb Outcome Measures Used in Stroke Rehabilitation Studies: A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract: Background Establishing which upper limb outcome measures are most commonly used in stroke studies may help in improving consensus among scientists and clinicians.

Towards the integration of mental practice in rehabilitation programs. A critical review

Abstract: Many clinical studies have investigated the use of mental practice (MP) through motor imagery (MI) to enhance functional recovery of patients with diverse physical disabilities. Although beneficial effects have been generally reported for training motor functions in persons with chronic stroke (e.g., reaching, writing, walking), attempts to integrate MP within rehabilitation programs have been met with mitigated results. These findings have stirred further questioning about the value of MP in neurological rehabilitation. In fact, despite abundant systematic reviews, which customarily focused on the methodological merits of selected studies, several questions about factors underlying observed effects remain to be addressed. This review discusses these issues in an attempt to identify factors likely to hamper the integration of MP within rehabilitation programs. First, the rationale underlying the use of MP for training motor function is briefly reviewed. Second, three modes of MI delivery are proposed based on the analysis of the research protocols from 27 studies in persons with stroke and Parkinson's disease. Third, for each mode of MI delivery, a general description of MI training is provided. Fourth, the review discusses factors influencing MI training outcomes such as: the adherence to MI training, the amount of training and the interaction between physical and mental rehearsal; the use of relaxation, the selection of reliable, valid and sensitive outcome measures, the heterogeneity of the patient groups, the selection of patients and the mental rehearsal procedures. To conclude, the review proposes a framework for integrating MP in rehabilitation programs and suggests research targets for steering the implementation of MP in the early stages of the rehabilitation process. The challenge has now shifted towards the demonstration that MI training can enhance the effects of regular therapy in persons with subacute stroke during the period of spontaneous recovery.

Motor Imagery Training After Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Abstract: Background and Purpose:A number of studies have suggested that imagery training (motor imagery [MI]) has value for improving motor function in persons with neurologic conditions. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the available literature related to efficacy of MI in the re