Article

Few studies have described physical therapy approaches to provide functional
independence and reduce pain in individuals with dystonia. This report describes
the physical therapy treatment of a 46-year-old woman diagnosed with idiopathic
segmental axial dystonia. For two years, the patient was treated with
kinesiotherapy (active and resisted movements and stretching of neck and trunk
muscles), abdominal taping (kinesiotaping techniques), functional training, and
sensory tricks. She was assessed with parts I, II and III of Toronto Western
Spasmodic Torticollis Rating Scale (TWSTRS-I, TWSTRS-II and TWSTRS-III), Berg
Balance Scale (BBS), Six-Minute Walk Test (6-MWT), and the motor domain of
Functional Independence Measure (FIM-motor) before and after the two-year
treatment and after the one year follow-up. Postural control and symmetry
improved (TWSTRS-I: from 30 to 18), functional independence increased (TWSTRS-II:
from 27 to 15; BBS: from 36 to 46; 6-MWT: from 0 to 480 meters (m); FIM-motor:
from 59 to 81), and the pain diminished (TWSTRS-III: from 12 to 5). The
functional improvement was retained after one year (TWSTRS-I: 14/35; TWRTRS-II:
12/30; TWRTRS-III: 5/20; BBS: 48/56; 6-MWT: 450 m; FIM-motor: 81/91). This
program showed efficacy on providing a better control of the dystonic muscles and
thus the doses of botulinum toxin needed to treat them could be reduced. Outcomes
support the therapeutic strategies used to deal with this type of dystonia.

Langue : ANGLAIS