Chronic Post-Stroke Rehabilitation

The purpose of this case study presentation is to provide a background on the basics of a stroke and outline the plan we followed that resulted in positive changes to our patient’s life. The patient in this case study is 5 years post stroke and has received little physical therapy prior to attending the University of Lynchburg Community Health Center. Considering the length of time since initial injury and lack of consistent rehabilitation, we were unsure on how much change the patient would be able to make. Prior to treatment, we assessed timed walking distance, balance, and functional capabilities. Over the course of 12 weeks we implemented a plan of care that involved neuromuscular re-education and gait training, resulting in improvements in all three assessments. Our patient progressed from a very fatiguing and inefficient walking pattern to a faster, smoother pattern. The patient also reported changes in her ability to perform tasks at home, such as bending over and navigating the door to enter the home more independently and safely. It is not often that dramatic changes can be made to a patient\u27s quality of life who is chronic post-stroke, therefore we want to share our results with the community