The impact evaluation of physical therapy on the quality of life of cerebrovascular stroke patients

• Published in: International journal of rehabilitation research Vol. 29; no. 3; pp. 243 - 246
• Main Authors: Paula Caleffi Segura, Ana, Veloso Fontes, Sissy, Maiumi Fukujima, Marcia, de Andrade Matas, Sandro Luiz
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc 01-09-2006; Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Ovid Technologies
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Motor ability; Patients; Physical therapy; Physical Therapy Modalities; Quality of Life; Stroke; Stroke Rehabilitation
• ISSN: 0342-5282; 1473-5660
• DOI: 10.1097/01.mrr.0000230053.08981.48

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of physical therapy on the quality of life of patients presenting with a motor deficit caused by ischemic stroke at the median cerebral artery. Physical therapeutic intervention consisted of three sessions per week of conventional kinesiotherapy; 50 min each, for three consecutive months. The sample comprised 18 patients aged between 18 and 72 years old, evaluated according to the Stroke Impact Scale. There was a significant difference for the following domainsstrength (P<0.001), daily life activities (P<0.001), mobility (P=0.001), manual function (P=0.004) and social participation (P=0.001). We were able to conclude that physical therapy, performed for up to three 50-min weekly sessions for 3 consecutive months, resulted in the reduction of motor deficits and functional improvement, consequently promoting favorable effects on the quality of life of patients presenting with motor deficit due to ischemic stroke.