StrokeEd

MOOC participants are currently learning about assessment and training of upper limb tasks such as cutlery use.

In this video, Margaret (a volunteer for StrokeEd) is picking up a fork. Based on the assessment of this task, two exercises have been suggested to her to improve her cutlery use skills.

To learn more about assessment and training of the upper limb after stroke, there is still time to join the 2026 MOOC. The course content is self directed so you still have 5 weeks to complete the course from now (only a few days left for participants to still have 5 weeks to complete!!) To learn more about the course and register, visit: https://strokeed.com/mooc/?v=f77d8ed2dc48

MOOC participants are currently learning about the evidence for electrical stimulation for training of very weak muscles and implementation of electrical stimulation with stroke survivors.

In this video, Gill (our lovely volunteer) and Karl are training thumb abduction and wrist extension using electrical stimulation. Karl reviews her home program and they change the electrode placement to optimise for quality movement.

Karl teaches us the importance of set up and positioning to achieve the best muscle contraction, and he uses different strategies to encourage active muscle contraction with the electrical stimulation.

To learn more about the evidence for and implementation of electrical stimulation for upper limb rehabilitation, join the upper limb analysis and retraining MOOC.

There is still time to join the 2026 MOOC. The course content is self directed so you still have 5 weeks to complete the course from now. To learn more about the course and register, visit: https://strokeed.com/mooc/?v=f77d8ed2dc48

In week 1 of the upper limb analysis and retraining MOOC, participants are learning key concepts including anatomy.

In this video, Annie teaches us the basics of shoulder girdle anatomy. Understanding anatomy is an essential component of effective strength training after stroke.

Registrations for the MOOC are still open. The course content is self directed so you can catch up on week 1 content and still have 5 weeks to complete the course.

To learn more about the course and register, visit: https://strokeed.com/mooc/?v=f77d8ed2dc48

In week 1 of the upper limb analysis and retraining MOOC, participants are learning key concepts including:
- What is evidence based practice?
- Definitions of important concepts - kinematics, kinetics, essential components of upper limb tasks and types of muscle contractions
- Revision of upper limb anatomy
- The ICF framework

In this video, Karl teaches us the differences in types of muscle contraction, and the importance of understanding them in helping stroke survivors regain movement as early as possible.

Registrations for the MOOC are still open. The course content is self directed so you can catch up on week 1 content and still have 5 weeks to complete the course.

To learn more about the course and register, visit: https://strokeed.com/mooc/?v=f77d8ed2dc48

In Part 1 of this video, Karl discussed the evidence based recommendations for contracture after stroke, including evidence to suggest stretching does not result in lasting changes in range of motion in SCI, TBI and stroke.
Alternatively to stretching, Karl discusses the importance of facilitating early and ongoing intervention after stroke, in the range of motion required for the task or goal and providing ongoing follow up. Studies have suggested that upper limb positioning may assist in maintaining range of motion long term.

The snippet is taken from the analysis and retraining of upper limb massive open online course (MOOC) course content. The MOOC is a 5 week online course which will run from the 4th May to the 7th June, presented by the StrokeEd Collaboration - Dr Simone Dorsch, Dr Annie McCluskey and Karl Shurr. Registrations are now open for this learning opportunity. Link to learn more and register for the MOOC: https://strokeed.com/mooc/?v=f77d8ed2dc48