EPISODE TITLE: Harnessing Motivation: Unleashing Recovery Potential

What really drives someone to keep going after a stroke — even when it’s hard?

EPISODE SUMMARY: In this episode of NOGGINS & NEURONS: Brain Injury Recovery Simplified, Doro and Deb dive deep into the heart of recovery: motivation. Whether you're a survivor, clinician, or care partner, this conversation is packed with insights to help you light (and maintain) that motivational fire. We explore:

• 🔑 What motivation is and why it matters more than you think


• 🔁 The proven process Doro’s team uses to help clients stay focused and forward-moving


• 💪 How self-efficacy impacts momentum and long-term success


• 🧠 A reminder that stroke recovery is a marathon (not a sprint)


• 😴 Working with post-stroke fatigue for optimal success


• 🧰 Tools that assess motivation and reveal strengths worth building on


• 🤝 Why strong care partner training is a game-changer


• 🧭 The power of adaptive planning — and why flexibility = success

If you’ve ever felt stuck, unmotivated, or unsure how to keep yourself or someone you love moving forward, this episode will give you a fresh perspective and real-world strategies.

🎙️ Tune in and let’s turn the recovery spark into a flame.

We hope you enjoyed this episode of Noggins And Neurons. As always, we want to hear from you! Email us at Nogginsandneurons@gmail.com

Show References

Research Articles

Argent, R., Daly, A., & Caulfield, B. (2018). Patient Involvement With Home-Based Exercise Programs: Can Connected Health Interventions Influence Adherence?. JMIR mHealth and uHealth, 6(3), e47. https://doi.org/10.2196/mhealth.8518

Driscoll, R., Fitzpatrick, L., Karsten, J., Scott, S., & Winters, E. (2021). Care Partner Carryover Day: A Formalized Training Program to Improve Care Partner Preparedness for Pt’s. with ABI Prior to D/C home. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 102(10), e52

Ghorbani, S. (2019). Motivational effects of enhancing expectancies and autonomy for motor learning: An examination of the OPTIMAL theory. The Journal of General Psychology, 146(1), 79-92.

Rolls, E.T. (2023). Emotion, motivation, decision-making, the orbitofrontal cortex, anterior cingulate cortex, and the amygdala. Brain Structure and Function, 228, 1201-1257. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00429-023-02644-9

Siegle, F. (2024). The role of synaptic plasticity in learning and memory: A neurophysiological perspective. The Cognitive Neuroscience Journal, (7)4.

Yoshida, T., Otaka, Y., Osu, R., Kumagai, M, Kitamura, S., & Yaeda, J. (2021). Motivation for rehabilitation in patients with subacute stroke: A qualitative study. Frontiers in Rehabilitation, 2:66 4758. doi: 10.3389/fresc.2021.664758

Assessments:

• Eppworth Sleepiness Scale


• Fatigue Severity Scale


• Canadian Occupation Performance Measure (COPM)


• Motor Activity Log

Heart Rate Variability YouTube Videos:

Scientific Explanation

The Science of Heart Rate Variability (HRV): Health, Wellness & Performance by Dr Cailbhe Doherty

Guided HRV Breathing Exercise

Heart Coherence Breathing Exercise | HRV Resonant Cardiac Breathwork by Take A Deep Breath

Previous Episodes Referenced

• Super Survivor Kathy Spencer on Successful Recovery


• Empowering Recovery with Survivor Angela Wingfield, PTA

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

• The Aligned Professional Mini Course

THERAPY PRACTICE RESOURCES:

DEB’S RESOURCES

• The Aligned Professional Mini Course


• Beyond the Basics: Motor Recovery Bootcamp (Modified Constraint Induced Movement Therapy Guide)

• The OT's Guide to Mirror Therapy


• Occupational Therapy Intervention: Scavenger Hunt Visual Scanning for Adults


• Occupational Therapy Intervention 2 Pack: Scavenger Hunt & Visual Trails for Adults


• Noggins And Neurons Podcast Creative Learning & Discussion Guide

PETE’S blog and book, “Stronger After Stroke: Your Roadmap to Recovery” 3rd edition:

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  • Blog: blogspot.com
  
  
  • Book: Stronger After Stroke, 3rd edition
  
  
  
  

DORO’S OT PRACTICE – The Neuro Hub

REQUEST TO BE A GUEST ON NOGGINS & NEURONS. If you’re passionate about stroke recovery and have information or a story you believe will help others, we’d love help you share it on the show. Complete the guest request form below and let’s see if we’re a good fit!

• Guest Request Form


• MUSIC: “Soft Inspiration” by Scott Holmes/Scott Holmes Music/scottholmesmusic.com

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