Physiotherapy in the functional capacity of patients with spinal cord injury: evidence of professional performance in the last 10 years

Abstract

Objective: To identify, through a systematic literature review, the role of Neurofunctional Physiotherapy in assessing the functional capacity of spinal cord injured patients. Methods: The search was coordinated in the SciELO, PubMed, LILACS databases and on the Google Academic platform, selecting articles published in Portuguese, English and Spanish between 2011 and 2021. The PRISMA methodology model was followed and the PEDro scale was used to analyze the articles found. The following instruments were considered and accepted in the review: Functional Independence Measure (FIM), Spinal Cord Independence Measure (SCIM), Modified Ashworth Scale, Walking Index for Spinal Cord Injury II (WISCI II), Medical Outcomes Study 36 - Item Short - Form Health Survey (SF-36), Berg Balance Scale, Barthel Index and American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA). Results: The score obtained by the PEDro scale ranged from 0 to 10, it was noted that among the studies included in the review, the average obtained was approximately 6.42. Conclusion: Health care for patients with spinal cord trauma is a process for reintegration into the community, as well as a means of providing an emotional boost in order to stimulate the search for and confidence in achieving a satisfactory functional recovery. The articles investigated show the effectiveness of Neurofunctional Physiotherapy in these patients. The number of visits the patient receives seems to be relevant; the more visits the better for their recovery. Keywords: Spinal cord injury; physiotherapy; international classification of functioning; scale; assessment; functional status.