Hi,
this sounds like a project you have been asked to research, right?
I will try to give you some short answers/ hints, so you can use them as guidelines for follow-up.
That depends on the area in the cortex in which the Stroke occured. Check your neuroanatomy books/ Humunculus etc.1. What are the effects of stroke in a human arm?
There are numerous approaches: Bobath, Motor Re-learning, Brunnstrom, PNF, ...2. What are the rehabilitation methods?
No, neuroplasticity works for all areas of the cortex3. I heard that the thumb cannot be rehabilitated is that true ?
1) Stroke Rehabilitation - Guidelines for Exercise and Training to Optimize Motor Skill [Paperback]4. Could any one suggest a book which contains the rehabilitation methods used post stroke ?
Janet H. Carr MA EdD (Columbia) FACP (Author), Roberta B. Shepherd MA EdD (Columbia) FACP (Author)
2) Stroke Rehabilitation: A Function-Based Approach [Hardcover]
Glen Gillen EdD OTR FAOTA (Author)
3) Steps to Follow: The Comprehensive Treatment of Patients with Hemiplegia by Patricia M. Davies, D.J. Brühwiller, R. Gierig, and J. Kesselring (Paperback - Mar 5, 2004)
4) Right in the Middle: Selective Trunk Activity in the Treatment of Adult Hemiplegia [Paperback]
Patricia M. Davies (Author)
5) PNF in Practice: An Illustrated Guide [Paperback]
Susan S. Adler
6) Brunnstrom's Movement Therapy in Hemiplegia: A Neurophysiological Approach by Kathryn A. Sawner and Jeanne M. Lavigne (Hardcover - Feb 1992)
I would also check current literature for the newest updates; and also some international Stroke Rehabilitation Guidelines (e.g. USA (AHCPA), NZ, Scotland (SIGN), Royal College of Physicians, etc..).
Hope this helps to send you on your way. :-)
Regards,
Fyzzio