Executive Function

Authors

Affiliations

Nate Yomogida, B.S., SPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

B.S. in Kinesiology

Chloë Kerstein, B.S., SPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

B.A. in Neuroscience

Impairments

• Executive function impairments
• Volition- Needs & Wants
  • Doesn’t know what they want out of PT= could be part of cog deficit
• Planning- Identification and Organization of Steps
• Required to Carry out intervention or achieve goal
• PurposiveAction-ProductivityandSelfRegulation
• EffectivePerformance-QualityControl;Self- Correction, Self-Monitoring

RLAS Level

Impairments in executive function are often found in

Treatment

• Remedial Tx Suggestions (remedial approach?):
  • Structure, immediate Feedback, Step by Step instruction, practice to make task routine, trying to retrieve memories to plan activities; , eventually give responsibilities to the pt
• Compensatory approach:
  • minimize distractions, simplify the demands
  • use other intact cognitive functions available (like a timer or alarm)