Last year, Sunil Kumar (name changed), a 70-year-old professor, suddenly developed numbness and weakness on the left side of his body followed by loss of consciousness. Doctors said he had suffered a stroke that left the left side of his body paralysed.
This left him with severe limitations in mobility, and ability to go about his daily chores like earlier.
It also meant an increased dependence on his family members.
“When Mr. Kumar first visited our hospital,we conducted a complete clinical neuro assessment and found that his cognitive functioning (related to reasoning, memory, attention, etc.) was intact. He was unable to turn his body, lie down, or even sit and stand on his own. Also, he had become completely dependent on others for his day-to-day activities,” said Dr. Chitra Kataria, Rehabilitation Head, Indian Spinal Injuries Centre.
Personalised rehab
Doctors recommended an advanced-level personalised rehabilitation treatment programme, which included aerobics, muscle activation therapy (muscle tapping, vibration, joint compression, electrical stimulation), weight-bearing exercises, energy conservation techniques, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) techniques, balance training, strength training, and hydrotherapy, among others.
Clinical evidence suggests that the benefits of exercise-based rehabilitation for stroke patients can increase fitness, strength, and immunity levels, and also prevent injuries and falls and reduce the risk of recurrent stroke.
Improving locomotion
Mr. Kumar has now been recommended hydrotherapy to improve locomotion. “In water, there is no fear of falling. The water’s buoyancy helps the patient feel light and movement of legs and arms becomes easier. It provides resistance, increasing strength and physical exertion has a positive effect on the lymph and cardiovascular system. The hydrotherapy treatment over the past few weeks has helped Mr. Kumar significantly increase the range of motion, flexibility and endurance. Also, the stable soothing temperature of the warm pool helps relax the muscles and reduce aches and pains,” informs Dr. Kataria.
