Abstract:
Regaining independence after a neurologic insult requires more than improved motor control. To assume roles and responsibilities and individual must have the executive functions of planning, organizing and self monitoring. Physical therapists are evolving their role as movement specialists by appreciating the executive function skills required to fully integrate and participate in society. Tasks trained in physical therapy provide and ideal opportunity to incorporate executive function as patients practice mobility skills and experience errors in safety and efficiency. This article will begin to bridge the gap between cognitive and motor rehabilitation by providing practical applications to integrate executive function rehabilitation into current physical therapist practice.