Wpływ zabiegów fizjoterapeutycznych w reedukacji chodu u pacjentów z uzależnieniem alkoholowym

Abstract

Introduction. Long-term and intensive alcohol consumption gradually and comprehensively distroy the human’s body which results in reducing muscle strength and mass. It causes necrosing of the neural joints which results in disturbing executive functions of our nervous system. Alcoholism disturbs walking which becomes shaky and unstable. A key condition for successful preservative treatment in the case of the person with alcohol addiction is choosing the adequate physiotherapy treatment. One of the basic aims of improving the patient's condition is reteaching gait. Aim. The aim of the dissertation was to evaluate the effectiveness of the physiotherapy treatment used in improving the quality of gait, the balance and motor coordination as well as increasing the muscle strength of the lower limbs in the case of the patient with alcohol addiction. Material and methods. The study included the patient with strong gait, balance and motor coordination disorder who was taken to the Department of Neurology of the Stefan Kardynał Wyszyński Province Hospital in Łomża. The research was done on the day the patient was taken to the department of neurology, after two weeks of rehabilitation and after 22 days spent in hospital. Before the treatment started the patient’s muscle strength had been examined by means of Lovett’s scale. Fall risk assessment was done by means of Tinetti’s test and balance assessment was done by means of Romberg’s test. The rehabilitation plan included exercises increasing muscle strength of lower limbs, improving the balance and motor coordination of the patient as well as the treatment improving gait function. In order to compare the results the patient was examined after two weeks of rehabilitation and on the 22nd day of hospitalisation. Results. After the rehabilitation the increase of muscle strength was stated. The improvement of gait quality, balance and motor coordination was noticed as well. It can be said that the physiotherapy treatment in the case of the patient with alcohol addiction had a tangible effect as far as reteaching gait is concerned. Conclusions. Complex and individually chosen rehabilitation brings significant improvement in the increase of muscle strength of lower limbs, balance and locomotion of ill people with alcohol addiction.