This Master's thesis explores how developmental dysarthria and communication disability effect the socialization and communication abilities of people with cerebral palsy. The thesis is divided into two primary sections: theoretical and empirical. The theoretical part is divided into four sections (cerebral palsy, disrupted communication abilities in people with cerebral palsy, dysarthria, communication and socialization in people with cerebral palsy). The next part of the work presents the analysis of dysarthria and disrupted communication abilities effect of the socialization and communication abilities in people with cerebral palsy. The empirical section is based on original research, primarily employing qualitative methods, namely semi-⁠structured interviews. I interviewed six individuals all of whom are affected by cerebral palsy and developmental dysarthria. Research goals included how disrupted communication skills, known as developmental dysarthria, affect the individuals' communication and socialization skills, how it affects them in daily situations, what the main hallmarks of these situations are, what these situations have in common and how developmental dysarthria affects the individuals' motivation towards socializing. The results showed that the degree to which disrupted...

NG2-glia, a fourth major glial cell population, were shown to posses wide proliferation and differentiation potential in vitro and in vivo, therefore the aim of this study was to compare the rate of proliferation and differentiation potential of NG2-glia after different types of brain injuries, such as global and focal cerebral ischemia (GCI, FCI) or stab wound (SW), as well as during aging. Moreover, we aimed to determine the role of Sonic hedgehog (Shh) in NG2-glia proliferation/differentiation after FCI. We used transgenic mice, in which tamoxifen triggers the expression of red fluorescent protein (tdTomato) in NG2-glia and cells derived therefrom. Proliferation and differentiation potential of tdTomato+ cells in sham operated animals (controls) and those after injury were determined by immunohistochemistry employing antibodies against proliferating cell nuclear antigen and glial fibrillary acidic protein. FCI was induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion, GCI by carotid occlusion with hypotension and SW by sagittal cortical cut. Shh signaling in vivo was activated or inhibited by Smoothened agonist or Cyclopamine, respectively. Compared to controls, the proliferation rate of tdTomato+ cells was increased after all types of injuries, while it declined in aged mice (15-18- months-old) after...

The aim of the thesis is to find out clinical usability of tablet application Cognitive for training of memory and attention of patients after stroke, in occupational therapist's view. Occupational therapists train cognitive functions (for instance memory and attention) of patients in various ways. Therapy using modern technologies, particularly tablet, is involved. Whereas in foreign countries tablets are used in occupational therapy in many means, in the Czech Republic their use is still minimal. The theoretical part contains a summary about this area. The application Cognitive, which is currently being developed, might help change the situation in the Czech Republic. Cognitive application contains two games, one for memory and the other one for attention. Is this application usable in occupational therapist's practice, though? Within the practical part, a study has been created, that found out the usability of new application Cognitive in practice with six patients after stroke. Occupational therapist trained memory and attention with them for 3 weeks, every weekday, each for 30 minutes. Data was processed in a form of a case study and using statistical methods. The study has found out that the application has a major drawback in poor variability of game elements, which is necessary for...

OF MASTER THESIS Tittle of master thesis: Use of individual types of positioning on patients after stroke in the acute and subacute phase of rehabilitation from the perspective of occupational therapy. Stroke is one of the diseases that most affects the human population. It can result in temporary disability, permanent consequences and death. The patient's positioning after a stroke can affect many risks of secondary changes. The aim of this work is to find out how occupational therapists are involved in the positioning of patients in the acute and subacute phase after a stroke in stroke centers in the Czech Republic and how the positioning in stroke centers takes place. The literature and recommended procedures show that the correct positioning after a stroke in the acute and subacute phase prevents the development of immobilization syndrome and secondary changes. Positioning patients after a stroke can affect muscle tone, shoulder pain, prevent subluxation in the joints, maintain passive and active range in the joints, etc. In patients after a stroke, agitation should occur from the affected side to support the return of sensorimotor functions and to involve the affected parties to activities. The occupational therapist is most involved in positioning the affected upper limb, especially to...

The diploma thesis explores the use biofeedback balls called SunBall® as a possible alternative in hand diagnostics and grip therapy in occupational therapy practice. This thesis includes theoretical knowledge about stroke with emphasis on upper limb from the point of view of occupational therapist. It describes the types of grips and discusses the use of a robotic biofeedback in occupational therapy practice. It includes basic information about SunBall® machine, which is used in the practical part of the thesis. The practical part of the thesis evaluates the benefit of the machine in interventions with patients after stroke in subacute and chronic phase. It also presents its possibilities of use in hand diagnostics. Performing these results objectively was achieved by the use of specific occupational therapy examination and also by standardized method, such as modified Ashworth scale, Jamar dynamometer or goninometric measurement. As the results of this thesis show, there is an apparent positive influence on the upper limb and grip therapy according to the disability of probands. There was no success in finding an appropriate application of the measured modalities of the machine in the area of upper limb and grip diagnostics.

The diploma thesis explores the use biofeedback balls called SunBall® as a possible alternative in hand diagnostics and grip therapy in occupational therapy practice. This thesis includes theoretical knowledge about stroke with emphasis on upper limb from the point of view of occupational therapist. It describes the types of grips and discusses the use of a robotic biofeedback in occupational therapy practice. It includes basic information about SunBall® machine, which is used in the practical part of the thesis. The practical part of the thesis evaluates the benefit of the machine in interventions with patients after stroke in subacute and chronic phase. It also presents its possibilities of use in hand diagnostics. Performing these results objectively was achieved by the use of specific occupational therapy examination and also by standardized method, such as modified Ashworth scale, Jamar dynamometer or goninometric measurement. As the results of this thesis show, there is an apparent positive influence on the upper limb and grip therapy according to the disability of probands. There was no success in finding an appropriate application of the measured modalities of the machine in the area of upper limb and grip diagnostics. Key words: stroke, biofeedback, upper limb robotic therapy, SunBall

Gaits is one of the most important factors affecting the quality of life and ability to self- care. This thesis assesses the effect of central movement control disorders to the walking abilities in youth patiens with cerebral palsy (CP). The theoretical part describes alterations of neuromotor system developmental and muscle characteristics in children with CP and explains the phenomenon of joint stiffness. Theoretical part also presents standardized functional tests to determine the severity of disability and provides information on increased energy intensity of walking in patients with CP. The practical part assesses the effect of central motor control disorders, muscle strength and energy expenditure of movement on the walking abilities in CP patients.

The thesis described quality issues in occupational therapy. The theoretical part contained characteristic occupational therapy, quality and descriptions of stroke. The empirical part provides a qualitative research exploring the views, attitudes standard for occupational therapists in occupational therapy, based on which the pilot made standard in occupational therapy, a client with a stroke.

We evaluated the effectiveness of two virtual reality therapies (VRT) with visual biofeedback, Armeo Spring® upper limb exoskeleton (Armeo) and Homebalance® interactive system (Homebalance), in early post-stroke rehabilitation. Using a randomized controlled study design, participants within 30 days after stroke with arm paresis (Armeo study) or with balance problem (Homebalance study) were assigned either to the respective intervention group (Armeo IG n=25; mean age 66.5 years, and Homebalance IG n=25; mean age 69.6 years) performing VRT instead of conventional physiotherapy or to the control group (Armeo CG, n=25, mean age 68.1 years, and Homebalance CG, n=25, mean age 65.9 years) having conventional physiotherapy only. Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Functional Independence Measure (FIM), Fugl Mayer Assessment-Upper Extremity Scale (FMA-UE), Modified Rivermead Mobility Index (m-RIM) and Berg Balance Scale (BBS) were performed before and after the 3-week therapy with 12 therapies. Results of participants <65 and ≥65 years old were compared. Acceptance of both VRTs was evaluated by self-rated questionnaire. In the Armeo study, paretic upper arm function improved significantly in both IG and CG groups, the improvement in FMA-UE was significantly higher in Armeo IG as compared to CG (p=0.02)...

Cerebro-vascular accident often affects parts of brain responsible for spatial orientation. Optimal integration of afference from visual, somatosensory and vestibular system is necessary for maintaining balance and often in the end for the functional indepencence of the patient. Examination of subjective vertical is a sensitive signifier for spatial orientation and the ability to discern graviception. By using clinical examination of subjective visual vertical it is possible to objectify and quantify graviception disorder excluding visual context. Current level of understanding in this field is briefly summarized in theoretical part of this study. In practical part subjective visual vertical examination by bucket-method was for statistically comparison of 29 patients after a cerebro- vascular accident with 34 healthy seniors. Hypotheses about the influence of a side of a lesion and a time elapsed since the lesions were also tested. The study concludes that the perception of verticality in patients after cerebro- vascular accident can be severely affected. Additionally, the study highlights the reliability of examination of patients after cerebro-vascular accident using clinically practical bucket-method.