Background: F.S., a 55-year-old female, suffered a severe ischemic stroke that resulted in right hemiplegia and impaired cognitive functions. Her pre-stroke life was active, involving a career in education and regular participation in community service.
Intervention: Stimel-03 therapy was introduced ten weeks after her stroke, focusing on comprehensive rehabilitation that included muscle re-education, cognitive functions, and sensory recovery.
Treatment Protocol:
- Duration: 50 weeks
- Frequency: 3 sessions per week
- Session Length: 30 minutes
- Settings: The device was set to provide varying intensities and patterns of stimulation, tailored to the evolving needs of motor and cognitive rehabilitation.
Clinical Observations:
- Initial phases concentrated on regaining basic muscle control and reducing spasticity. Subsequent phases incorporated more complex tasks that integrated cognitive challenges with physical movements.
- Cognitive assessments and muscle strength tests were performed monthly to guide the adjustments in therapy settings.
Progress Assessment: Regular cognitive and physical assessments helped track improvements and adjust the therapy accordingly, facilitating a responsive and effective rehabilitation process.
Outcomes:
- F.S. showed significant improvements in motor control and cognitive response times. She regained the ability to perform most ADLs independently.
- Improvement in muscle strength from grade 2 to grade 4 on the MRC scale.
- Enhanced cognitive function, as evidenced by improved scores on the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE).
Patient Feedback:
- F.S. expressed initial frustration with her slow progress, but over time, she noted significant improvements in her ability to perform complex tasks. She appreciated the tailored approach of the therapy, which adapted to her recovery pace and helped regain her independence in daily activities.
- She reported a regained sense of self-efficacy and satisfaction in being able to engage more actively with her grandchildren and resume some of her community activities, albeit at a reduced capacity.
Discussion: F.S.’s prolonged treatment period allowed for a thorough and gradual recovery process, highlighting the adaptability of Stimel-03 to support both physical and cognitive rehabilitation post-stroke. This case underscores the importance of integrating cognitive elements into physical rehabilitation to achieve comprehensive recovery outcomes.