engleski

Physiotherapy and Recreation in Spinal Cord Injury - A Case Study

Introduction: Spinal injury is damage to the spinal cord resulting in permanent or temporary changes of normal motor, sensory and autonomic functions. Considering large choice of possibilities of recreation, many convalescents with spinal injuries can find choice of their own, but there are many patients with no interest in offered activities. Recreation for persons with spinal injuries presents challenge for patients, physiotherapists and whole rehabilitation team in deciding which recreation to choose according to patient’s interest and remaining abilities. The case study on implementing recreational activity with patient after spinal injury, within the frame of their abilities, will be presented. Purpose: To increase balance, normalize muscle tone of lower extremities, and improve gait of the patient trough recreational activity of climbing on artificial rock. Methods: This paper presents case study on a patient who decided to participate in climbing on artificial rock as recreational activity after spinal injury (fracture C6-C7) caused by fall from a bicycle. He was regularly included in Bobath treatment, 5X per week with home program. The plan of training sessions was made together with kinesiologist – climbing coach. For the assessment of success of climbing training program balance was tested with Berg´s balance scale (BBS) and Time up and go test (TUGT), muscle tone was measured with Ashworth ´s scale (ASW), and active range of movement of fingers (AROM) with goniometer. Training session lasted 1-2X weeks for 3 months. Results: Initial measures of BBS showed 46 points ; TUGT 1.34 min ; ASW 1+/2 ; AROM 40°, while final measurement showed results: BBS 50, TUGT measurement 0.56 min., ASW 1+/2, AROM 40°. Visible improvement in results on BBS and TUGT test speak in favor of positive influence of physical activity on static balance and gait. Conclusion: It is a known fact that physical effort encourages birth of new nerve cells, and that mental activity increases chances for survival of new neurons and their capability of acquiring new functional connections with existing network of neurons. Inclusion of persons with spinal injury into recreational activities together with physiotherapy, except psychophysical wellbeing, will also satisfy social wellbeing in the context of reintegration into society.

tetraparesis, neurorehabilitation, sports activity

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