Results of a home rehabilitation treatment program in hemiplegic patients due to cerebrovascular disease

Abstract

Introduction: Cerebrovascular diseases are a global health problem, they are the first cause of disability in adults and the second cause of dementia. In Cuba, cerebrovascular accidents are the third leading cause of death for all ages. Cerebrovascular disease is the main cause of the appearance of the hemiplegic syndrome. Rehabilitation must begin early and in a coordinated way and must be maintained during the different phases of health care. After the acute phase, home rehabilitation represents an opportunity of improvement for patients with residual disability. Objective: To evaluate the neurological and functional recovery in hemiplegic patients with cerebrovascular disease after home-based rehabilitation. Methodology: An intervention study was carried out in patients with a diagnosis of hemiplegia who attended the ¨José Jacinto Milanés¨ Rehabilitation Service in the period from January 2018 to January 2019. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, the sample was constituted by 26 patients with whom we conducted the study after establishing informed consent. A program of individualized therapeutic physical exercises was designed at each patient´s home, for eight weeks, carried out by the physiotherapists and supported by the family. Results: The male sex and the ages of 60 to 69 years predominated. Arterial Hypertension was the most frequent risk factor. At the end of treatment, 84, 61% of the patients had a mild neurological condition and 46, 15% had a mild hypertonia and were independent. Conclusions: With home-based rehabilitative treatment, improvement can be achieved regarding neurological status, spasticity, and dependence on activities of daily living in hemiplegic patients due to cerebrovascular disease.