Keywords
neurological dysfunctions
brain injury
motor dysfunction
cerebrovascular accident
How to Cite
Abstract
In press
Background. The presence of unilateral spatial neglect complicates the course of rehabilitation, reduces patient motivation for recovery, limits the use of the affected upper limb in activities of daily living, and worsens the functional prognosis. Therefore, there is a clear need to identify physical therapy approaches that can enhance upper limb recovery and reduce manifestations of spatial neglect in older adults after stroke.
Aim. To investigate the potential for correcting the consequences of unilateral spatial neglect after stroke in older adults using physical therapy, in particular Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy.
Materials and Methods. 28 patients in the early recovery period after ischemic stroke with unilateral spatial neglect were examined and randomly assigned, using a blinded method, into two groups of 14 participants each. Patients in both groups received a standard physical therapy program, while participants in the second group additionally underwent a course of physical therapy (therapeutic exercises and modified constraint-induced movement therapy) tailored to their geriatric status. The control group consisted of 16 individuals without acute cerebrovascular disorders. Assessment tools included the Star Cancellation Test, Albert’s Test, the Line Bisection Test, the Nine-Hole Peg Test, the Action Research Arm Test, the Fugl-Meyer Assessment, and the Modified Ashworth Scale. Statistical analysis was performed using Student’s t-test. The study constitutes a component of the Vasyl Stefanyk Precarpathian National University research project "Improvement of Functional Status, Quality of Life, and Correction of Pathological Conditions of Various Origins by Means of Therapy and Rehabilitation" (2023–2026), State Registration No.0123U01534.
Research Ethics. The study was conducted in accordance with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki, with informed consent obtained from all participants. The study protocol was approved by the institutional bioethics committee.
Results. Following the implementation of the physical therapy program, positive changes in the objective condition of patients with stroke were observed. These included a reduction in the severity of unilateral spatial neglect (by the Star Cancellation Test, Albert’s Test, and the Line Bisection Test) and improvements in upper limb function (by the Action Research Arm Test, the Nine-Hole Peg Test, and the Fugl-Meyer Assessment), with no significant changes in spasticity levels (by the Modified Ashworth Scale).
Conclusions. The obtained results indicate that the developed physical therapy program is effective and can be recommended for use in the rehabilitation of older adults after stroke.
Keywords: rehabilitation, neurological dysfunctions, brain injury, motor dysfunction, cerebrovascular accident.
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