Protocol of exercises for home management of the hemiplegic patient

Abstract

Background: Stroke represents the second cause of death and the first cause of disability in adults worldwide. Hemiplegia is the main sequel of ischemic stroke. It presents muscular alterations such as spasticity and lack of coordination. It also produces abnormalities in balance and gait, increasing the rate of falls. Physical rehabilitation through exercises is essential. There is not enough information for the caregiver to perform the exercises. Objective: to implement an exercise protocol to improve the home management of the hemiplegic patient that favors the reduction of spasticity and the risk of falls. Methods: It is a longitudinal, analytical study with a quantitative approach. It was developed in 15 people with hemiplegia by the Home Care Project for People with Disabilities of Palora Canton, Ecuador. The ages were from 20 to 64 years. The intervention was performed 3 times a week in each home. The Tinetti test and the Ashworth test were used for the initial evaluation. For the final evaluation, the Wilcoxon method was used. Results: a predominance was evidenced in the female gender 53.3% and the age range between 27 to 63 years 86.7% in the hypothesis testing of the Tinetti test (risk of falls) and Ashworth test (spasticity) where the results the value p<0.001 (asymptotic significance) With this data, the null hypothesis is rejected. Conclusions: It was determined that the exercise protocol for home management of the hemiplegic patient decreases the risk of falls and spasticity.