Effect of kinesitherapy on static and dynamic balance in patient after vertebro-basilar system stroke

Abstract

AIM: To assess the effect of a kinesitherapeutic methodology in a patient who survived an ischemic stroke in the vertebro-basilar system (VBS) during the post-acute stage.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: The case studied a 62 years old female patient, who survived an ischemic stroke and pulmonary thromboembolism and was administered to kinesitherapeutic regimen of individual sessions, 3 times weekly for a month. The kinesitherapeutic methodology included exercises for the general performance status, exercises for improving the lower limbs strength, exercises for improving the static and dynamic trunk control from different starting positions. The following methods of evaluation of changes have been used for the functional performance status in the patient at baseline and after the kinesitherapeutic sessions: "Berg Balance Scale", "Timed Up & Go", "Five Time Sit-To-Stand" and the test „Sit-to-Stand per 30 sec”.

RESULTS: After applied kinesitherepy the static and dynamic balance and the strength of the lower extremities were improved.

CONCLUSIONS: The Case study has shown that the targeted methods of kinesitherapy for influencing the static and dynamic trunk control resulted in improved postural stability, balance and performance status in a female patient with VBS stroke.

KEY WORDS: postural stability, balance, VBS ischemic stroke