Article

Stroke is a major cause of disability and represents a very high
cost in developing countries. Self-rehabilitation programs represent a new and
original treatment for stroke patients, likely to reduce upper limb impairments
and improve activity and participation. The goal of this study is to evaluate the
feasibility of a self-rehabilitation protocol in Benin.
METHODS: Twelve chronic
stroke patients carried out the upper limb self-rehabilitation program
(3hours/day, 5 days/week for 2 weeks). The performance of these patients was
evaluated before and after the self-rehabilitation program, by measuring the
number of exercises that patients were able to achieve during a three-hour
session, and by assessing their gross manual dexterity. RESULTS: Twelve patients
were effectively able to complete the entire program. The number of unimanual
exercises and self-mobilizations performed during a three-hour session as well as
the score of the Box and Block test were improved by the self-rehabilitation
program (P<0.05). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Self-rehabilitation programs are
feasible and inexpensive as they do not involve a therapist. It is then a
promising approach in stroke rehabilitation, particularly in developing
countries, where rehabilitation costs are usually supported by patients.
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Langue : ANGLAIS