Effect of kinesitherapy on physical activity in patient with Guillain-Barré syndrome
Abstract
Introduction: Guillain-Barré syndrome is an autoimmune disease characterized by sudden onset and progressive impairment of peripheral nerves. It is a rare disorder in which weakness and tingling in the extremities are usually the first symptoms.
Aim: To study the influence of the applied kinesitherapy in a patient with Guillain-Barré syndrome with severe and protracted course of the disease by deterioration with Landry ascending paralysis and assisted breathing.
Material and Methods: The study was conducted with a female, 34 years old in the subacute stage within two months at home. The kinesitherapy sessions are performed 2-3 times per week with 1-hour duration, moderate intensity, more breaks between exercises without reaching fatigue. We applied correct positioning in bed and seating, passive-active exercises, analytical exercises for upper and lower limbs, breathing exercises, training balance and coordination of sitting and standing and massage techniques. To monitor the effect of kinesitherapy the patient performed twice tests for transfers (turning from lying on his back to the left and right side; lying to sitting and sitting to standing). We use also the test "Five Times Sit To Stand" which is appropriate to assess the possibilities for transfer.
Results and Discussion: The results showed an improvement in the speed of response of the patient for changing the body position and transfer due to systematic applying of various therapeutic exercises including exercises for strength of lower limbs and abdominal muscles. The time for performing the test "Five Times Sit To Stand" decreased with 33 sec, which is indicative of the strength of the lower limbs and a big step towards the independence of the patient. The correct position of the body and speed is essential. If the speed of movement of the trunk is less, then it will be a greater loading of the lower extremities. The test also aims to establish coordination and consistency of movements between the trunk and lower limbs.
Conclusion: After a two-month kinesitherapy an improvement of functional status of the patient was observed.
Key words: Guillain-Barré syndrome, kinesitherapy, physical mobility
