Date of Award

2018

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

Department

Physical Therapy

First Advisor

Cindy Flom-Meland

Keywords

Acoustic Stimulation; Music Therapy; Paresis -- rehabilitation; Paresis -- therapy; Physical Therapy Modalities; Case Reports

Abstract

Background and Purpose: Stroke and other disorders that involve the neurological system can have adverse effects such as hemiparesis, spasticity, hypertonicity, and gait and balance deficits. Due to neurological disorders being so prevalent, proper rehabilitative treatments are necessary to return to a functional lifestyle. Multiple approaches across the therapy spectrum have been utilized, but rarely are these therapeutic approaches completed concurrently among different disciplines. The purpose of this case report is to address the interdisciplinary co-treatment by students of music therapy and physical therapy for a patient exhibiting chronic left-sided hemiparesis.

Case Description: This case report describes a 56-year-old male patient who exhibits chronic left-sided hemiparesis and spasticity following two tumor resections from his right frontal lobe over the span of the past twelve years. These symptoms greatly affect his gait biomechanics and muscular endurance with activity.

Interventions: Treatment was done by utilizing pre-gait and gait activities along with rhythmic auditory stimulation (RAS), or the use of external rhythmical cueing, to help aid in symmetrical and reciprocal movements bilaterally. Tests and measures used to examine functional changes included the Timed Up-and-Go, the Five-Time Sit-to-Stand, Berg Balance Scale, Two-Minute Walk Test, Short-Form 36 and GAITRite® pre- and post-intervention data.

Outcomes and Discussion: The patient improved his scores on the TUG, FTSST, and BBS tests. However, no significant differences were found in pre and post-test data for the Short Form 36, 2MWT or GAITRite®. Subjectively, it was evident the patient's confidence and mechanics during all tests and measures had improved. This suggested the patient within this case study may have improved function following the incorporation of combined music and physical therapy rehabilitation efforts.

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