No abstract

Introduction. Stroke is one of the leading causes for disability worldwide. After stroke, the majority of stroke survivors experience significant arm-hand impairments and a decreased use of the paretic arm and hand in daily life. Tactile sensibility of the hand is essential for identifying objects and for motor performance. Despite important sensory contributions to normal and abnormal movement, research has predominantly focused on motor aspects of stroke recovery. In this paper, we present the effect of sensory stimulation program on arm sensation and motor recovery in subacute stroke. Case outline. In a 65 years old woman the sensibility stimulation program was administered in subacute phase of post-stroke rehabilitation, six weeks after stroke, involving active and passive somatosensory intervention, motor control, coordination, strength and balance exercises. The rehabilitation protocol was applied for four weeks, five times a week. On discharge, the results of physiotherapy assessment showed full recovery of her right arm and hand. Conclusion. This case report shows that precise assessment, problems identification and problem oriented somatosensory interventions can improve, for short period, functional motor performance of the arm involved in rehabilitation after stroke.

Introduction Tibialis posterior tendinopathy is a disabling, frustrating, and progressive musculo-skeletal condition that is commonly seen in middle-aged women. The etiology of this overuse injury is likely to be multifactorial, so it is necessary to take into account intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors for effective treatment. Evidence of treatment protocol is insufficient and of limited quality. Conservative treatment is generally undertaken in the early stages of the condition. In conservative treatment, physical therapy and a program of eccentric strengthening exercises are especially emphasized. Case report We present a case of a 48-years-old woman diagnosed with tibialis posterior tendinopathy. The patient could not participate in recreational sports activities and had a significant limitation in walking. Over a five-weeks period the patient had ten sessions of physical therapy. The applied individually tailored physical therapy program was based on eccentric strengthening exercises. Conclusion The implemented physical therapy program has led to a significant reduction in pain and a return to sports activities. This case report shows that physical therapy program based on eccentric exercise regime can relieve symptoms and restore functional ability for short period in patient with tibialis posterior tendinopathy.

Introduction. Friedrich?s ataxia (FA) is an autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disease. Ataxia as the cardinal symptom affects the trunk, with swaying, imbalance and falls, and the limbs, with increasing difficulty in activities of daily living. Physical therapy has been recognised as a mean of managing physical symptoms and maximising function in affected persons. To our knowledge there are no studies that have evaluated the effectiveness of Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stabilization techniques in the rehabilitation of patients with this diagnosis. Case report. We present a case of a twentysix years old female with severe posture and limb ataxia, speech difficulties and poor walking ability. During the three-week rehabilitation, an individually tailored physical therapy program based on PNF stabilization techniques was applied. Conclusion. The implemented rehabilitation program resulted in an overall functional improvement. The reduction in ataxia was registered according to the Scale for the assessment and rating of ataxia (SARA). The Functional independece measure (FIM) instrument, component of locomotion, reveled greater independence in walking. A rehabilitation program based on PNF stabilisation techniques may reduce ataxia and improve walking ability in patients with FA.