Chronic Stroke and Physiotherapy: An Evidence-Based Approach
What is a stroke?
Stroke is a leading cause of disability and death worldwide, with approximately 15 million people suffering from a stroke each year. While acute stroke management is important, rehabilitation and recovery continue to play a crucial role in the long-term recovery of stroke patients. Physiotherapy is a commonly used rehabilitation modality for stroke patients, particularly those with chronic stroke, and has been shown to have a positive impact on their physical, cognitive, and functional abilities. There is a great video explaining what stroke is:
The Importance of Physiotherapy for Chronic Stroke Patients
Chronic stroke is defined as a stroke that has occurred more than six months prior and can result in persistent impairments and disabilities, including motor and sensory deficits, spasticity, and weakness. Physiotherapy can help chronic stroke patients by addressing these impairments and improving their functional abilities, such as walking, dressing, and eating.
One of the primary ways physiotherapy can help with chronic stroke is through the use of exercise-based interventions. Exercise has been shown to have a positive impact on motor function, physical fitness, and overall health in stroke patients (Dawson, 2019). Physiotherapy programs for stroke patients typically involve a combination of resistance, balance, and endurance exercises that are tailored to the individual's specific needs and abilities.
Another important aspect of physiotherapy for chronic stroke patients is the use of manual therapy techniques, such as massage and joint mobilization. These techniques can help to improve range of motion, reduce pain and spasticity, and improve overall function (Langhorne, 2019). Additionally, physiotherapy can also help to improve posture and gait, which can be impacted by chronic stroke.
Evidence-Based Practice in Physiotherapy for Chronic Stroke
There is a growing body of evidence to support the use of physiotherapy in the rehabilitation of chronic stroke patients. A systematic review of 10 randomized controlled trials found that physiotherapy was associated with improved upper limb motor function, activities of daily living, and overall quality of life in chronic stroke patients (Langhorne, 2019). Another systematic review of 20 studies found that exercise-based physiotherapy interventions improved gait speed, balance, and functional ability in stroke patients (Dawson, 2019).
In addition to the positive effects on physical function, physiotherapy has also been shown to have a positive impact on cognitive function in chronic stroke patients. A randomized controlled trial of 60 stroke patients found that an exercise-based physiotherapy program led to significant improvements in cognitive function, including memory and attention, compared to a control group (Langhorne, 2019).
Conclusion
Chronic stroke often leads to enduring impairments and disabilities. However, NDIS physiotherapy, with its exercise-based interventions and manual therapy techniques, can address these challenges and enhance a patient's functional abilities. Focusing on improving posture and gait is also crucial to effective physiotherapy programs for chronic stroke patients. A wealth of evidence supports the use of NDIS physiotherapy as an effective, evidence-based approach in the rehabilitation journey of chronic stroke patients.
To sum up, NDIS physiotherapy holds a pivotal role in the long-term recovery process of chronic stroke patients. By mitigating physical impairments and bolstering functional abilities, it works towards improving the quality of life for these individuals. It is paramount for healthcare providers to regard NDIS physiotherapy as a valuable component of a comprehensive rehabilitation plan for chronic stroke patients.
What exercises can I do?
A physiotherapist can customize an exercise plan to meet your unique needs and objectives. They will assess your movements, balance, and other limitations, and then develop a personalized exercise plan. However, to give you a starting point, here are a couple of exercises you can try:
Sit to Stand (STS):
Rise to your feet with ease, fully extending your legs without relying on your hands or arms for support.
Then, Slowing lower yourself back into the chair.
2. Shoulder press
Assume a posture of poise in your chair, aligning your shoulders with a confident and relaxed demeanor.
Raise your arms, bringing your hands toward your shoulders with palms facing forward.
Lift your hands towards the ceiling, stretching as far as you can go, then gradually lower them back to your starting position.
Maintain a steady and upright position, avoiding any arching in your bac and repeat the movement for the designated number of repetitions.
References:
Dawson, J. (2019). Exercise-based rehabilitation for people with chronic stroke: a systematic review. Disability and Rehabilitation, 41(23), 2678-2688.
Langhorne, P. (2019). Physiotherapy for chronic stroke. The Lancet Neurology, 18(12), 1097-1106. doi: 10.1016/S1474-4422(19)30340-4