[Home-based rehabilitation in the functional recovery of patients with cerebrovascular disease].

INTRODUCTION

The study of the effectiveness of rehabilitation treatment applied to patients with sequelae following a cerebrovascular disease (CVD) plays a decisive role nowadays in planning their management in public healthcare and to improve existing guidelines regarding assessment and treatment.

AIM

To describe the characteristics presented by patients who have suffered a CVD and were treated in mobile rehabilitation-physiotherapy units (MRPU) and how such treatment affects their functional recovery.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Descriptive, prospective study conducted on 124 patients referred to the MRPUs in the province of Almeria between 2008 and 2011. The variables analysed (both pre- and post-treatment) included personal history and characteristics, Barthel index, Modified Ashworth Spasticity Scale, pain (shoulder) and the Canadian Neurological Scale.

RESULTS

The final sample consisted of 106 participants (mean age: 73.72 years). The disabling process was ischaemic in 77.4% and hypertension was the most prevalent risk factor (81%). The mean initial Barthel index was 31.04 and the mean final index was 57.62 (t = -11.75; p < 0.001). The Canadian Neurological Scale showed a favourable progression in the level of consciousness, orientation and language (p < 0.001). Altogether 56.2% of the patients were discharged as a result of the improvement of their condition, and did not require any further outpatient rehabilitation.

CONCLUSIONS

The results obtained reflect an important functional improvement in patients treated in the MRPUs. Home-based rehabilitation is considered a necessary tool for persons with greater clinical vulnerability and no access to outpatient care, which provides them with the benefits of effective treatment.