Integrating cognitive strategies into the physical therapy setting

Effectively integrating cognitive management concepts into the physical therapy setting is dependent upon an adequate understanding of the cognitive and behavioral consequences of head injury and the appropriate use of diagnostic and prognostic cognitive data as a basis for program design. The intent of this article is to provide a framework for simultaneously addressing the physical and cognitive consequences of head injury. Behavioral manifestations of cognitive dysfunction and a means of clinically observing and assessing patient performance are provided as a basis for program design. Specific examples of treatment strategies applicable to various phases of cognitive recovery are described.