The effect of rehabilitation and physical therapy on the functional state of elderly patients with intracerebral stroke

Abstract

Purpose: to investigate the effect of rehabilitation and physical therapy on haemodynamic parameters, functional state of the musculoskeletal system, and the level of independence and activity of daily living in post-stroke patients. Materials and methods. An experimental group of patients was formed (n = 10, mean age 66 ± 5,5 years, 70% men and 30% women) who underwent a rehabilitation programme after acute cerebrovascular accident. In all patients, the ischaemic lesion was localised in the cerebral hemispheres. The duration of the rehabilitation programme was 30 days. A feature of the programme was the use of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF). Classes with a physical therapist were conducted on an individual basis. In the course of the study, the following tests and scales were used to assess the functional state: Barthel Index; Rivermead Index; Hauser Walking Index; Rankin Disability and Stroke Recovery Scale; spasticity level according to the modified Ashworth Scale; MRCS; ROM. Results. The study examined the effect of the rehabilitation programme on the haemodynamic parameters of patients who had suffered acute cerebrovascular accident. No deterioration in haemodynamic parameters was observed during the entire rehabilitation period. Despite the presence of motor impairment, haemodynamic parameters in most patients were stable, indicating an adequate response of their cardiovascular system to the implementation of the rehabilitation programme. Conclusions. After the rehabilitation, the patients needed less assistance with activities of daily living, and restored and improved their walking skills.