I am dedicated Neuro Occupational Therapist and Assistant Professor with a passion for empowering individuals through evidence based rehabilitation. with clinical expertise in neurological conditions and a strong academic foundation, I strive to bridge theory and practice in both patient care and education. I am committed to mentoring future therapists, advancing research and promoting holistic, client centered approaches to theory, My goal is to enhance the Functional Independence and Quality of Life for individual with Neurological conditions
My research interests focus on advancing neurorehabilitation strategies to enhance functional recovery and quality of life in individuals with neurological disorders. I am particularly interested in exploring the effects of task-specific training, neuroplasticity, and sensory-motor integration in stroke and traumatic brain injury rehabilitation. Additionally, I aim to investigate the role of technology-assisted therapy, including virtual reality and assistive devices, in improving upper limb function and cognitive-perceptual outcomes. My goal is to contribute evidence-based approaches that bridge clinical practice and research, fostering innovation in neuro occupational therapy through interdisciplinary collaboration and patient-centered care models.
Background: Lacunar stroke, a subtype of ischemic stroke caused by small vessel occlusion,
contributes significantly to morbidity and disability. While motor recovery and functional
independence are primary rehabilitation goals, standardized protocols for targeted therapies,
like Mirror Therapy (MT), are lacking. MT has shown potential in stroke rehabilitation by
promoting neural reorganization, but its integration with functional tasks in lacunar stroke
requires further investigation.
Aim: To evaluate the effect of Function Based Mirror Therapy (FBMT) on upper extremity
function and occupational performance in patients with lacunar stroke.
Method: An experimental study was conducted in 2024 at Sri Ramachandra Hospital with
approval from the ethics committee. Thirty participants were randomly divided into an
experimental group (FBMT) and a control group (Conventional Occupational Therapy). Pre-
and post-intervention assessments were conducted using the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA)
and the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) to assess upper extremity
function and occupational performance.
Results: The experimental group (FBMT) showed significant improvements in FMA for
Wrist function (p = 0.003), Hand function (p < 0.001), and Total score (p = 0.001). COPM for
Performance (p = 0.001) and Satisfaction (p = 0.001). However, the difference in the FMA
Upper Extremity subscale score was not statistically significant (p = 0.094).
Conclusion:
FBMT demonstrated a positive impact on upper extremity function and occupational
performance in patients with lacunar stroke, suggesting its integration into stroke
rehabilitation programs could improve patient outcomes.
Keywords:
Canadian Occupational Performance Measure, Fugl-Meyer Assessment, Lacunar Stroke,
Mirror Therapy.
Stroke is essentially a disease of the cerebral vasculature in which a failure to supply oxygen to brain
cells, which are the most susceptible to ischemic damage, leads to their death. The syndromes that lead to stroke
comprise two broad categories: ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. Ischemic strokes account for approximately
80% of strokes, and hemorrhagic strokes account for the remaining 20% .Unilateral neglect can occur when either
the left or right hemisphere is damaged, more frequently when the right hemisphere is damaged. In stroke patients,
the persistence of this symptom leads to the inability to recognize objects placed in a space on the paralyzed side,
as well as to difficulties in carrying out daily activities independently. USN may occur slightly less frequently
following left hemisphere stroke than following right hemisphere stroke. However, USN negatively affected the
rehabilitation outcomes, regardless of the neglected side, in sub-acute stroke patients. Neglect has a negative
influence on functional independence in Self-care, Transfers, and Locomotion, especially in the sub-acute phase.
During rehabilitation, it would be of importance to test for independence in ADL in neglect in order to define
realistic treatment goals. So this study aimed to find out the use of Light House Strategy for Sub-Acute Stroke
patients with Right-Sided Unilateral Neglect to improve Activities of Daily Living. A single case study was
conducted at Outpatient Department, Occupational Therapy unit, Sri Ramachandra Hospital, Chennai.
Patients who met the selection criteria were allotted in to intervention by Purposive sampling. In this
study, it has been found that there is an improvement in the post intervention score from the pre
intervention score after three weeks of intervention using Light House Strategy in Star Cancellation Test
and Functional Independence Measure (Motor subscale score) and concluded that Light House Strategy
had shown better improvement in the patient ability to perform on ADL skills such as eating, grooming,
bathing, dressing, toileting, transfers and locomotion following three weeks of intervention program.
Talk Marathon in Instagram for 12 hours ( Opportunity + Choice + Justice) – contributed a talk on Role of Mental Health Occupational Therapist in Vocational Rehabilitation – World Record No – LBR/2022/c/p/1706 – Lincoln Book of Record
Contributed a chapter on Marvels of Occupational Therapy – Kalam Book of Record.
| All India Occupational Therapists Association |
Tamilnadu All India Occupational Therapists Association