Impact of Locomotor Training in Improving Function After Stroke

Abstract

Stroke is among the world's leading causes of death, disability and functional inability for adults. The incidence of stroke currently exceeds that of Western developed nations in India. Increased understanding of the risk factors for stroke is hoped to lessen the future prevalence. Recurrence rates of stroke are high. The incidence and ability of individuals to recover varies widely. Stroke affects health by affecting the functioning system resulting in disabilities, physical problems, and a lower quality of life. Physiotherapy is instrumental to restore lost sensations and motor skills and to deal with patient's emotional needs. This case report describes a case of A 66 year old male retired PWD worker, who was referred to physiotherapy with complaints of weakness in left upper and lower extremities and inability to perform movements of left side. He had a sudden loss of power in the left side one day prior and was diagnosed with stroke along straightening of the dorso-lumbar spine and disc bulges at C2-C6, L4-S1 levels on X-ray and MRI scan. Physiotherapy rehabilitation was started with bed mobility and transfer activities with further progress to sitting and standing activity. As the transfers improved, we progressed to balance training, lower limb strengthening, and gait training in which task specific training was focused. Later, we concluded that balance and locomotor training has a great impact on functional recovery post-stroke.