Kathye Light

A dedicated and highly respected authority in the field of rehabilitation science, Dr. Kathye Light has devoted more than 12 years to the field of constraint-induced movement therapy. Dr. Kathye Light currently applies her experience and knowledge of rehabilitation science as the Principle Investigator for a major ongoing study. Dr. Kathye Light conceived The Stroke I.M.P.A.C.T. Study, short for Improving Motor Performance Applying Constraint Therapy, as a means to determine the effectiveness of constraint-induced movement therapy. Dr. Kathye Light’s focus is on patients who have lost motor skills in their upper-extremities due to the effects of stroke. Under Dr. Kathye Light’s direction, two scenarios have been created for the study. One test group of patients undergoes intense rehabilitation with physical therapists at one of the university hospitals included in the study. Another group of patients participates in home therapy programs developed by Dr. Kathye Light and team members from The Stroke I.M.P.A.C.T. Study. The scope of Dr. Kathye Light’s study is expected to quantify the efficacy of constraint therapy with a large test group and a high number of variables. Dr. Kathye Light anticipates that the results of the study will determine the benefits of home therapy versus therapy with a trainer. In addition to the University of Florida, The Stroke I.M.P.A.C.T. Study is being conducted at the University of South Carolina and Colorado State University. Dr. Kathye Light will release the results of the five-year Stroke I.M.P.A.C.T. Study in the coming months. Dr. Kathye Light is an Associate Professor at the University of Florida College of Public Health and Health Professions in Gainesville, Florida.