Article

Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) is an acute inflammatory demyelinating
polyradiculopathy resulting in severe impairments of many body structures and
functions with consequent limitations of activities and participation. The aim of
our study was to evaluate rehabilitation outcome in these patients. Forty-five
(20 women, 25 men) with GBS patients who had completed primary comprehensive
rehabilitation were included in the study. Medical Research Council Scale for
Muscle Strength was used for assessment of lower-limb function. Patients'
activities were assessed using the Functional Independence Measure and two
walking tests (6 min and 10 m). The patients were also described using an adapted
International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health checklist.
Assessment was performed at admission and at discharge. Clinically important and
statistically significant improvements were found in all outcome measures. Strong
and significant correlations were found between the outcome measures.
International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health coding also
clearly reflected the progress. Improvement in patients' activities increased
statistically significantly with time for up to 3 months of rehabilitation. The outcome was not related to the time interval from establishing the diagnosis to
the start of rehabilitation. Hence, multidisciplinary care for GBS patients is
effective, because clinically important and statistically significant
improvements regarding body functions and activities are achieved during relatively short inpatient rehabilitation.

Langue : ANGLAIS