Balance And Functional Skill Training For A Patient With Cognitive Dysfunction And Impaired Safety Awareness: A Case Report
Year: 2014
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: Background and Purpose: With advances in medicine, there are increasing numbers of people living after stroke. One of the major factors that can limit improvement in ability to complete functional tasks is cognitive dysfunction. Cognitive rehabilitation in conjunction with large amounts of repetition during physical therapy can result in lasting neuronal changes and help improve the safety of patients. The purpose of this case study is to describe the decision making process for physical therapy examination and intervention for a patient who had a stroke with accompanying cognitive dysfunction and decreased safety awareness. Case Description: The patient was a male over age 85 who had a stroke. A computed tomography scan showed a small infarction involving the left parietal region that confirmed the stroke. Further examination confirmed impairments with cognition, strength, endurance, and balance, which affected his ability to safely perform functional tasks. Outcomes: The patient received treatment over the span of approximately five weeks. The patient improved in his ability to safely perform functional transfers, static and dynamic balance, and improved in cognitive function. Discussion: The patient’s improvement from the initial evaluation to discharge was sufficient enough to permit him to return to his prior living situation. This case demonstrates that a program based on balance, strength, and endurance with cognitive training may help. Future case reports should further investigate the influence of cognitive training with other forms of therapy.
Author: Cameron McCombs
Institutions: University of New England, University of New England
Language: English
Subfield: Rehabilitation
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W1883772654