Author

Jayce Turner

Date of Award

5-2021

Document Type

Thesis

First Advisor

Emily Henneman

Keywords

Cerebrovascular accident (CVA), Spontaneous muscle weakness and Spasticity, Berg Balance Scale, Virtual-reality (VR) training

Abstract

Background and Purpose: This article outlines a six-month rural/outpatient physical therapy treatment of a 58-year old female who endured a severe left cerebrovascular accident (CVA) eight months ago. Patient presents with muscle weakness, numbness, reduced tone, notable spasticity, and impaired coordination on her R side as well as impaired language, limited to say 'yes" or "no". Prognosis for the patient was fair, and she is expected to regain minimal prior level of functioning. The purpose of this article is to describe the interventions used for this patient and the consequences they had.

Description: The treatment performed during the course of therapy included: therapeutic exercises for strengthening and ROM, gait training, therapeutic activities and manual work to improve patient's ability to transition, walk and perform ADLs.

Outcomes: Following physical therapy intervention, patient was able to ambulate in community with CGA, walk up stairs with CGA, independently stand, demonstrated reduced spasticity, and showed improved tone/coordination. She had reached all her goals set for her and regained more function than what the doctors initially expected.

Discussion: Rationale for treatment was based on motor control theories of neuromuscular dysfunction as well as treating the patient's physical impairments using textbook methods of strengthening and stretching. Treatment was structured to promote independence in patient' s life and was modified based off patient's response.

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