Tag: rehabilitation

Rehabilitation of laryngectomized patients – evaluation of physical fitness and capacity

Urszula Kaźmierczak, Wojciech Hagner, Jan Talar

Urszula Kaźmierczak, Wojciech Hagner, Jan Talar – Rehabilitation of laryngectomized patients – evaluation of physical fitness and capacity. Fizjoterapia Polska 2007; 7(4); 431-437

Abstract
Background. Patients after total laryngectomy are usualy less physically active than other groups of patients treated for cancer. The limitation of physical activity after laryngectomy is the result of the inability to control the sensation of apparent dyspnoea and inability to communicate by means of articulate speech, fear of recurrence and of not being accepted by the family or other relations. Early rehabilitation is very important after surgery for cancer, especially when the treatment cripples the patient. Laryngectomy leads to severe disability, depriving the patients of their speech organ, and is associated with various functional postoperative complications. Material and methods. A total of 30 radical laryngectomy patients (4 women and 26 men) aged 48-74 years (mean 61 years) were enrolled for a rehabilitation programme. During the rehabilitation programme, patients were subjected to the Harvard Step Test modified by Szyszko-Wydra. Results. After the rehabilitation treatment, patients in all age groups demonstrated improvement in physical fitness (see figure in text). The level of physical capacity before the treatment was very low, improving to average or good as a result of rehabilitation. Conclusions. The results of the study show that the rehabilitation programme was instrumental in effecting a significant improvement of the patients’ overall physical capacity. Group rehabilitation of patients suffering from the same condition increases the likelihood of achieving a higher level of physical capacity. This is attributable to the positive effect of the daily exercises, especially respiratory exercises to strengthen the diaphragm, which are helpful in making sonorous burps and learning oesophageal speech. Exercise also helps to eliminate the feeling of embarrassment and promotes full acceptance and emotional support within the group.
Key words:
rehabilitation, laryngectomy, evaluation of physical fitness
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Physiotherapeutic aspect of facial nerve function recovery after cerebellopontine angle tumour surgery

Sebastian Szajkowski, Stanisław Kwiek, Krzysztof Suszyński, Wojciech Ślusarczyk, Hanna Doleżych, Monika Buczma, Jerzy Widuchowski, Piotr Bażowski

Sebastian Szajkowski, Stanisław Kwiek, Krzysztof Suszyński, Wojciech Ślusarczyk, Hanna Doleżych, Monika Buczma, Jerzy Widuchowski, Piotr Bażowski – Physiotherapeutic aspect of facial nerve function recovery after cerebellopontine angle tumour surgery. Fizjoterapia Polska 2007; 7(4); 419-424

Abstract
Background. Facial nerve is particularly susceptible to damage in the course of cerebellopontine angle tumour surgery. For several years neurosurgeons from the Neurosurgery Department in Katowice have been able to preserve anatomical continuity of this nerve during surgery in almost all patients. However, we have observed various degrees of facial nerve paresis and rarely paralysis in the early post-operative period. These problems prompted us to investigate if rehabilitation can significantly influence long-term functional outcomes in regard to the facial nerve. Material and methods. The study group consisted of 133 patients operated for cerebellopontine angle tumours at the 1st Department of Neurosurgery, Silesian Medical University in Katowice, between 1990 and 2006. The House-Brackman scale was used for evaluation of facial nerve function in all patients. A period of 18 months after surgery was chosen as the time of final clinical assessment. Results. The study showed that rehabilitation has a statistically significant beneficial effect on long-tern assessment of facial nerve function. At the same time, tumour size and type significantly affected facial nerve function both in the early post-operative period and in long-term assessment. Conclusions. Early rehabilitation results in better long-term therapeutic outcomes. Intraoperative monitoring contributes to reducing the incidence of functional impairment of the facial nerve.
Key words:
facial nerve, intraoperative monitoring, rehabilitation, cerebellopontine angle tumour
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Quality of life of kidney transplant recipients

Mariola Wójcicka, Izabela Korabiewska, Jan Tylka

Mariola Wójcicka, Izabela Korabiewska, Jan Tylka – Quality of life of kidney transplant recipients. Fizjoterapia Polska 2007; 7(4); 409-418

Abstract
Background. Kidney transplantation is an acknownledged method of treatment of end-stage failure. Rehabilitation of kidney transplant aims to restore physical and mental fitness. This study set out to assess the relationship between kidney transplantation and quality of life and the relationship between participation in a rehabilitation programme and quality of life after kidney transplantation. Material and methods. The study involved 67 patients aged 17-73 years (x = 47.5 years) who were divided into a rehabilitated and control group. The quality of life was evaluated with the SF-36 questionnaire, which the patients completed twice to reflect their situation prior to transplantation (period of dialysis therapy) and one year after transplantation. Results. 1. Quality of life after transplantation was regarded as higher compared to the evaluation prior to the transplantation (p<0.05 for all scores) by the entrie patient population, by the rehabilitated group and the control group taken separately. 2. More positive changes were noted in the rehabilitated group. 3. A comparison of the results obtained in individual patients before and after the transplantation showed that: 25% of the patients reported no improvement in Global Quality of Life, including 15% reporting a worsening of Global QoL- almost 38% of the patients did not experience improvement in the general physical health domain- 27.6% did not experience positive changes in the general mental health domainConclusions. Kidney transplantation and participation in the rehabilitation programme positively influenced the patients’ subjective evaluation of the quality of life. About 1/3 of the kidney transplant recipients did not note any improvement in functioning.
Key words:
quality of life, rehabilitation, kidney transplantation
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New possibilities in physiotherapy – magnetolaserotherapy

Jarosław Pasek, Anna Misiak, Romualda Mucha, Tomasz Pasek, Aleksander Sieroń

Jarosław Pasek, Anna Misiak, Romualda Mucha, Tomasz Pasek, Aleksander Sieroń – New possibilities in physiotherapy – magnetolaserotherapy. Fizjoterapia Polska 2008; 8(1); 1-10

Abstract
The characteristic progress in science and technology of the 21st century is being accompanied by significant research developments in the field physical medicine. Before our very eyes physics is entering more and more courageously into treatment, broadening the therapeutic armamentarium and also reducing the side effects of pharmaceutical agents in some cases. Particularly in recent years one can observe increasing interest and research concerning therapeutic application of new physical methods, including variable fields, which until now have been underused. One such method is the combined application of lasers and magnetic fields, known as magnetolaserotherapy. Magnetolaserotherapy, the combined action of laser radiation and a variable magnetic field, has led to increasingly wider use of this treatment modality in various fields of clinical medicine and rehabilitation. Document positive effects of the use of the biostimulating laser and variable magnetic field in the control of pain, acceleration of wound healing and strengthening of the immune system have already been positively confirmed in a large number of clinical studies, which directly translates into the duration, quality and patient comfort duringtreatment. The present paper is based on information contained in available publications concerning magnetolaserotherapy and the authors’ experience connected with this method. This article is a clear comprehensive review intended for specialists in broadly defined physical medicine.
Key words:
treatment, magnetolaserotherapy, rehabilitation
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Mood disorders – significant factor in physiotherapy of elderly patients

Joanna Szczepańska, Grażyna Greń, Marek Woźniewski

Joanna Szczepańska, Grażyna Greń, Marek Woźniewski – Mood disorders – significant factor in physiotherapy of elderly patients. Fizjoterapia Polska 2008; 8(2); 170-178

Abstract
Background. Assessment of the prevalence of signs and symptoms of depressions among patients in a geriatric rehabilitation ward as well as an analysis of the physiotherapist-patient relationship where the patient suffers from a mood disorder. Material and methods. 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), a questionnaire assessing the attitude of physiotherapists to working with specific patients. Results. 67.7% of the patients suffered from depression-type mood disorders. The presence of a mood disorder in chronically hospitalised elderly patients had a negative influence on the attitude of physiotherapists to those patients. Conclusions. Mood disorders are common in patients of long-term care institutions. Depression has a negative influence on the course of rehabilitation and the relationship between the physiotherapists and the patient. In order to increase the effectiveness of physiotherapy in geriatric rehabilitation wards, action must be taken to improve the emoctional health of elderly patients (diagnosis and treatment of depression).
Key words:
depression, rehabilitation, physiotherapist-patient relationship, long-term hospitalization
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Effect of early rehabilitation on psychomotor function in children with post-haemorrhagic hydrocephalus. Preliminary report

Teresa Pop, Lucyna Sitarz, Iwona Opalińska, Halina Urban

Teresa Pop, Lucyna Sitarz, Iwona Opalińska, Halina Urban – Effect of early rehabilitation on psychomotor function in children with post-haemorrhagic hydrocephalus. Preliminary report. Fizjoterapia Polska 2009; 9(2); 171-180

Abstract
Background. Cerebral haemorrhages in newborns occur as a consequence of premature birth, Iow birth weight and newborn respiratory failure. These haemorrhages often lead to hydrocephalus with subsequent delayed psychomotor deve-lopment. Early surgery and comprehensive rehabilitation improve psychomotor functions and the ąuality oflife in this group of children. Materiał and methods. We studied 25 infants in the first six months oflife treated at the Department of Paediatric Surgery of Regional Hospital No. 2 in Rzeszów, and the Surgery and Rehabilitation Outpatient Clinic between 2004 and 2007. The psychomotor development of the infants was evaluated according to the Munich Functional Development Scalę in the third and six months oflife. The evaluation concentrated on the gross motorskills ofhead control in the prone and su-pine positions and use ofthe upper extremities forsupport. Results and Concusions. Analysis of the results confirmed the efficacy of the rehabilitation regimen. Better outcomes were obtained in children with less severe haemorrhages, i. e. with lower probability of CNS injury. The parents should be involved in the process of rehabilitation both in the hospital and at home.
Key words:
cerebral haemorrhage, rehabilitation, hydrocephalus
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Efficacy of Kinesiology Taping in the rehabilitation of children with low–angle scoliosis

Aneta Bac, Łukasz Stagraczyński, Elżbieta Ciszek, Maciej Górkiewicz, Andrzej Szczygieł

Aneta Bac, Łukasz Stagraczyński, Elżbieta Ciszek, Maciej Górkiewicz, Andrzej Szczygieł – Efficacy of Kinesiology Taping in the rehabilitation of children with low–angle scoliosis. Fizjoterapia Polska 2009; 9(3); 202-210

Abstract
Background. There are a number of methods of conservative management of idiopathic scoliosis, including Kinesiology Taping, which utilises elastic tapes to reduce pain or correct joint alignment. The goal of this study was to determine the effect of Kinesio Taping on selected parameters in children with low-angle scoliosis. Material and methods. The subjects were two groups of 22 children each, all diagnosed with low angle scoliosis on the basis of a physical examination and radiographic evidence. The patients from the control group were subjected to a special therapeutic programme. Sessions were held three times a week for 45 minutes for a total of three weeks. During the other 2 days the children exercised at home twice a day. In the experimental group Kinesiology Taping was additionally applied. Spinal mobility, the rounding of the back, the intensity of pain, the degree of muscular tension and the level of activity and regularity of doing the exercises were evaluated in both groups. Results. In the experimental group, Kinesiology Taping had the most marked effect on back rounding, muscular tension and increasing the children’s average level of activity. Pain intensity was reduced initially but later returned to baseline levels (short-lasting effect). According to the parents and the therapist, the children fitted with Kinesio-Tex tapes (experimental group) were better motivated to do the exercises regularly. Conclusions. The results of this preliminary study seem to support the hypothesis that Kinesiology Taping can be a good adjunct to traditional therapy in children with low-angle scoliosis.
Key words:
scoliosis, Kinesiology Taping, rehabilitation
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Rehabilitation following brain tumor surgery

Andrzej Kwolek, Sławomir Snela

Andrzej Kwolek, Sławomir Snela – Rehabilitation following brain tumor surgery. Fizjoterapia Polska 2009; 9(4); 359-368

Abstract
lmproved morbidity rates and prognosis in cancer are the result of improvement in prophylaxis, early diagnosis and comprehensive treatment, including rehabilitation, which is emphasised by many authors. Further treatment following brain tumor surgery requires a multidirectional approach that includes comprehensive rehabilitation. Its goal is to prevent complications and the development of dysfunctions in successive stages of cancer treatment, to manage complications and dysfunctions resulting from the treatment of primary disease, and even in terminal disease. At present, considerable attention is paid to functional sequelae of tumor treatment rather than only to the treatment of primary disease. Psychotherapy is an essential part of comprehensive rehabilitation of patients with malignant disease. The paper presents the stages of rehabilitation of these patients, taking into consideration hospital treatment, and community rehabilitation at the patienfs place of residence, at rehabilitation clinics and even in health resort hospitals. Community or outpatient rehabilitation serves to preserve continuity of rehabilitation. For some patients, occupational rehabilitation represents a vital element in the comprehensive management, affording the possibility of fuli social integration, including the return to normal life. Rehabilitation can also be conducted in patients with terminal disease, especially in order to alleviate pain, reduce dyspnea, reduce lymphedema and improve psychological comfort.
Key words:
brain tumor, operative treatment, rehabilitation, kinesiotherapy
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Medical taping for restoration ofhand function after extensive forearm injury – analysis of bioelectrical changes

Marcin Put, Andrzej Szczygieł, Wiesław Żukowski

Marcin Put, Andrzej Szczygieł, Wiesław Żukowski – Medical taping for restoration ofhand function after extensive forearm injury – analysis of bioelectrical changes. Fizjoterapia Polska 2010; 10(1); 84-91

Abstract
Background. Extensive forearm injuries can significantly limit hand function. While planning a rehabilitation programme, it may be worthwhile to combine various therapeutic modalities in order to achieve the best outcomes. Material and methods. We describe the case of a 59-year old patient who sustained an extensive injury to the palmar side of the forearm, with damage to the median and ulnar nerves. Moreover, a big scar (deep tissue adhesions) caused muscular restrictions and pain (paraesthesiae), significantly limiting the rangę of movement. The patient was treated with conventional physiotherapy (kinesiotherapy, electrotherapy laser therapy underwater wibratory massage, magnetic field therapy and classic massage) follow-ed by selected techniques of medical taping. The purpose of the taping treatment (scar correction technique) was to lift the scar, decrease the tension between connective tissue and the damaged nerves and increase the interstitial space (space correction technique) in order to create optimal conditions for regeneration ofnerve structures. As a result, the skin was folded which increas-ed the space between deep layers ofsoft tissues, facilitating the flow ofblood and lymphatic fluid and speeding up regeneration. The therapy was carried out for six weeks. Prior to and on completion of the treatment, the rangę of motion was measured in selected joints as well as an sEMG of selected muscie groups was performed.Results and Conclusions. The results indicate a beneficial effect of medical taping on the rangę of motion in the affected joints and insignificant improvement in bioelectrical muscie actMty While these results are very promising, further studies are obviously needed to confirm the efficacy of medical taping in the treatment ofthis type of dysfunction.
Key words:
medical taping, rehabilitation, bioelectrical changes
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Magnetic field stimulation and the quality of life in MS patients

Wojciech Fibiger, Anna Starowicz, Magdalena Wilk

Wojciech Fibiger, Anna Starowicz, Magdalena Wilk – Magnetic field stimulation and the quality of life in MS patients. Fizjoterapia Polska 2010; 10(3); 202-210

Abstract
Background. The aim of our study was to evaluate the effectiveness of magnetic field stimulation and exercise on the quality of life in multiple sclerosis patients undergoing home-based rehabilitation. Material and methods. The study involved a group of 87 patients with advanced multiple sclerosis (minimum grade 6 in the Expanded Disability Status Scale). Patients were divided into two groups. In Group I magnetic field was applied from a Viofor JPS apparatus once daily for 20 days. Group II (controls) did not receive magnetic field therapy. Patients from both groups carried out exercises at home. The clinical status was evaluated using Cendrowski’s numerical scale and the Expanded Disability Status Scale. Quality of life was examined by using an extended Testa and Simonson questionnaire. Patients were evaluated twice: before and after 20 days of rehabilitation at home. Results. An improvement was obtained in Group I, where magnetic field stimulation was applied, with regard to everyday functioning and such activities as personal hygiene, getting dressed, eating meals, or locomotion. There was a statistically significant improvement in muscle strength, sphincter control, a decrease in muscle tone, fatiguability, sensory disturbances and balance dis­tur­bances. There was also a significant improvement in the patients’ mental state and emotional function, less depression and fear and increased satisfaction with life.Conclusions. Magnetic field stimulation had a significant impact on the quality of life in multiple sclerosis patients. Exercise and magnetic field therapy in patients with advanced disability improved not only their motor ability but also mental state. Magnetic field stimulation supported and facilitated rehabilitation exercises performed at home by the MS patients.
Key words:
magnetic field stimulation, rehabilitation, multiple sclerosis, quality of life
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