Mental Practice Protocol With Severe Upper Extremity Hemiparesis

Each patient will perform the following two activity-based tasks via MP: wiping a table and picking up a cup. Prior to a scheduled OT session patients will perform MP of the assigned motor task. Following MP, a research therapist will facilitate repetitive task practice of the same motor task. MP sessions will be completed 5x/week for 2 weeks, (3x/week in combination with RTP, and 2x/week independently). The MP will be completed at an MP station equipped with a tablet and noise-canceling headphones. The audio recording will be from a first-person view as if they are performing it with their own UE. Each task will consist of 20 repetitions and will be facilitated by the use of multisensory cues (visual, tactile, auditory, and kinesthetic). For example, the task of picking up a cup will include describing how the drink looks (water with ice) and the temperature and feel of the cup (cold/moist).