Final answer:
To facilitate elbow extension in patients with hemiplegia, a combination of active exercises, passive movements, and neuromuscular re-education techniques should be used, as well as employing rehab strategies that target the cerebellum's role in coordinating movement.
Step-by-step explanation:
The best method to facilitate elbow extension in a patient with hemiplegia involves a series of exercises and rehabilitation strategies. The elbow is a uniaxial ginglymus joint that is crucial for the extension of the forearm. Therapeutic techniques such as active exercises, passive movements, and the use of bracing or splinting can help to maintain joint mobility and facilitate muscle re-education. Moreover, cerebellar function plays a significant role in coordinating movement, so exercises that enhance the cerebellum's ability to regulate muscle tone and correct abnormalities in proprioceptive feedback are important.
To aid in elbow extension, therapists may also employ the check reflex method, where the patient flexes the elbow against the resistance provided by the examiner and practises stopping the muscle contraction when resistance is removed, simulating the ability to control movement and prevent hyperextension.