Balance And Strength Interventions For An Older Individual With Peripheral Polyneuropathy: A Case Report

Peripheral polyneuropathy (PPN) is a condition resulting from damage to the peripheral nervous system. PPN occurs in a distal and symmetrical pattern, often affecting the toes and the soles of the feet. Numbness, tingling, paresthesias, or burning are common symptoms of PPN. 20-25% of cases are idiopathic. Can affect functional mobility due to proprioceptive sensory losses and general weakness of extensor muscles, which then results in unsteadiness of gait and impaired balance. Treatment can consist of pharmacological and physical therapy interventions in order to manage symptoms. Recent literature demonstrated that following participation in a strength and balance training program, individuals with PPN experienced significantly fewer falling episodes. The purpose of this case report is to describe the Physical Therapy management of an elderly community-dwelling patient with idiopathic PPN, elevated fall-risk, deconditioning, and a history of bilateral total knee and hip arthoplasties,https://dune.une.edu/pt_studcrposter/1143/thumbnail.jp