Hemiplegia and Feeding: An Occupational Therapy Approach to Upper Extremity Management

Stroke survivors with resulting hemiplegia may have difficulty performing feeding tasks independently. This article describes the occupational therapist's role in helping patients achieve improved functional performance during feeding. It provides an overview of motor abilities required for self-feeding, describes abnormal movements typically seen in stroke patients, and discusses assessments and therapeutic interventions commonly used in occupational therapy. A case study is presented to illustrate the use of these therapeutic interventions.