Assistant Professor

Parvin Eftekhar

Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy

BScOT, MSc, PhD

Location
Toronto Rehab - University Centre - UHN
Address
550 University Ave, Toronto, Ontario Canada M5G 2A2
Research Interests
Stroke, Spinal Cord Injury, Peripheral Nerve Transfer, ICF, Upper Limb Function, Spasticity Management, Splinting, Serial Casting, Kinematic Assessment
Accepting
MSc

I am an Occupational Therapist by training, and an Affiliate Scientist, KITE Research Institute. I have been a practicing occupational therapist since 2001 with areas of expertise in neuro-rehabilitation with a focus on stroke, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury and acquired brain Injury. I have been practicing advanced, evidence-based interventions to treat and manage spasticity, with an emphasis on restoring function and improving quality of life.

My current research and clinical practice focus on patient and family goal-based intervention using the ICF model. My research interest areas are neuromodulation (sEMG, NMES/FES) coupled with traditional rehabilitation modalities such as exercise, massed practice, splinting/serial casting after upper limb paralysis or nerve transplant in individuals with stroke or SCI.

During COVID-19, I have pivoted to providing assessment and treatment via telerehab to patients with spasticity at Toronto Rehab. I am an active member of the peripheral nerve transplant team and act as research therapist in the Upper Extremity NeuroRestorative and Innovations Lab at Lyndhurst Centre.

Recent Publications

  1. Kokorelias KM, Cronin SM, Munce SEP, Eftekhar P, et al.. Conceptualization of frailty in rehabilitation interventions with adults: a scoping review. Disabil Rehabil. 2021 Dec 10:1-37. doi: 10.1080/09638288.2021.2012844. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 34889703.
  2. Nowrouzi-Kia, B., Osipenko, L., Eftekhar, P., et al.  The early impact of the global lockdown on post-secondary students and staff: A global, descriptive study. In press:DOI: 10.1177/20503121221074480/ ID: SOM-21-0655.R2) in SAGE Open Medicine
  3. Eftekhar P, Mochizuki G, Richardson D, Brooks D, Dutta T. Investigation of kinematic upper limb movement assessment: a cross sectional study. In press, Physiotherapy Canada: July 2021 https://doi.org/10.3138/ptc-2019-0023.
  4. Bhatia D, Eftekhar P, Akinrolie O,  Alsbury K, Scodras S, Scheller C, Barbosa dos Santos R, Barclay R &Salbach N. Improving community ambulation in older adults: a systematic review. Journal of Aging and Physical Activity – Manuscript ID JAPA.2021-0151
  5. Eftekhar P, Clinician's Commentary on Choi et al Goals set by patients using the ICF model before receiving botulinum injections and their relation to spasticity distribution Physiother Can. 2017; 69(2): 120–121.
     

Honours & Awards

  • 2017 | UHN Research Grant - University Health Network- iDAPT, Toronto, ON Canada. (Awarded $15,000 CAD)
  • 20132016 Heart and Stroke Foundation Focus on Stroke Doctoral Research Total amount: (Awarded $65.000 CAD)
  • 2012–2016 | Heart and Stroke Foundation Centre for Stroke Recovery Trainee Fund - Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre ON Canada. (Awarded $30,000.00 CAD)
  • 20132016 Research Allowance - Heart and Stroke Foundation, Toronto ON Canada. (Awarded $5000 CAD)
  • 2012 Mitacs-Accelerate Internship Funding - University of Toronto, Toronto ON Canada. (Awarded $15,000 CAD)