Date of Award

2019

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

Department

Physical Therapy

First Advisor

Cindy Flom-Meland

Keywords

Acoustic Stimulation; Music Therapy; Physical Therapy Modalities; Quality of Life; Stroke -- rehabilitation

Abstract

[Background and Purpose] In the United States, the annual prevalence of stroke is estimated to be 800,000. 1 Following a stroke, physical therapy (PT) interventions aim to help individuals recover from impairments such as muscle weakness and overall functional limitation. Current research supports both physical and music therapy (MT) interventions on an individual basis. The purpose of this case study was to evaluate the effectiveness of combined PT and MT interventions for strength, balance, gait, and functional activity for person following stroke.

[Case Description] The patient is a 50- year-old caucasian female post right cerebral vascular accident (CVA) with left hemiparesis that occurred secondary to quadruple bypass surgery, two years prior to the initiation of this research.

[Intervention] These therapy sessions were a collaboration of PT and MT techniques. PT interventions included gait training, balance training, functional strengthening, patient and family education, and home exercise instruction. MT interventions included rhythmic auditory stimulation in collaboration with PT interventions and therapeutic instrumental music performance.

[Outcomes] The patient increased Berg Balance Scale Score by 12 points (MCD= 5 points). Five Time Sit To Stand test decreased by 7.4 seconds (MCD= 2.5 seconds).

[Discussion] Collaborative PT and MT interventions lead to improved strength, balance, gait symmetry, and quality of life in treating a patient with impairments caused by stroke. Further research is needed to generalize these collaborative techniques beyond the findings of this case study.

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