Romanian Journal of Physical Therapy (Dec 2018)
THE IMPROVEMENT OF INDEPENDENCE IN ACTIVITIES OF DAILY LIVING, BALANCE AND GAIT REHABILITATION, IN PATIENT WITH STROKE
Abstract
Introduction. Stroke is an acute, severe neurological disorder resulting from blockage of blood brain irrigation or cerebral haemorrhage. Aim. The present paper aims to demonstrate that physical therapy intervention, regardless of the duration of the disorder, can speed the patient's reintegration into normal life by: improving day-today activities, balance improvement and gait rehabilitation. Means. The study was conducted at the Medical Rehabilitation Clinic in Băile Felix and at the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation Oradea, on 14 subjects with stroke, mean age 52.6 ± 12.7 ± 7.7, 57% were women and 43% were men. As assessment means were used: the Stroke Impact Scale, the ADL assessment, the Berg Balance Scale and the Trunk Control Test. Physical therapy intervention consisted of exercises for reducing the spasticity of the upper limb, the Kabat diagonals, exercises for increasing motor control and trunk stability, promoting movements in the lower trunk, pelvis and limbs, proprioceptive and transfer training, exercises for gait rehabilitation. Conclusions. In conclusion, we can say that rigorous physical theray, regardless of the duration of the disorder, can speed up the patient's reintegration into normal life by: increasing independence in performing daily life activities, improving balance, and restoring gait.
