ABSTRACT
Background: Cerebrovascular disorders are the third leading cause of death in the United States. Patients with cerebrovascular disorders may have severe neurological damage such as motor disorders. These patients are at risk of problems such as joint contracture and deformity. The rehabilitation nurse plays a significant role in facilitating positive patient outcomes, because she has an opportunity to gain a greater insight about the patient through longer contact whilst providing 24 hour care
Prupose: This clinical trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of physical exercises on musculoskeletal system in stroke patients. The muscle tone and force and ROM scores and incidence of contracture and footdrop were assessed before and after the intervention
Method: 40 stroke patients were sequentialy selected from neurology ward at Kashani Hospital in Shahrekord. Data were collected by a questionnaire, checklists and a goniometer. The scores of tone, force, ROM, and incidence of contracture as well as footdrop of patients were assessed and recorded before the intervention by checklists and goniometer. Then physical exercises were performed 2 times a day. Physical exercises consisted of position change and ROM exercises. After 6 weeks, the scores of tone, force, ROM and incidence of contracture and footdrop of patients were assessed and recorded again and, then, the scores were compared with each other after and before the intervention
Findings: Results showed a significant increase in tone, force, and ROM scores [P<0.0001]. The incidence of contracture and footdrop was decreased after the intervention
Conclusion: It can be concluded that physical exercises are effective on improving musculoskeletal condition in stroke patients