Analysis of functional independence, quality of life, respiratory muscle strength and thoracic mobility in hemiparetic patients submitted to a rehabilitation program: case studies

Abstract

Stroke has a major impact on public health. Hemiplegia is one of the most obvious clinical signs of the disease, and individuals tend to keep themselves in an asymmetric postural position, with impaired respiratory function. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of a rehabilitation project on functional independence, quality of life, respiratory muscle strength and mobility chest in hemiplegic patients. The study was based on four hemiplegic subjects, aged between 53 and 78 years. Outcomes chest tests. After the initial assessment, the Trunk Rehabilitation Program was used for 50 minutes. At the end of 20 sessions, all subjects were reassessed, using the same instruments. There were no statistically significant results (p > 0,05), however, an improvement was observed in levels of functional independence, quality of life, respiratory muscle strength and mobility chest. It is suggested that the implementation of exercises, aimed at restoring the function of the trunk, in a rehabilitation program for the hemiplegic subject, is satisfactory. Further studies with a larger sample is recommended.