ผลของการฟื้นฟูสมรรถภาพทางกายในผู้ป่วยโรคหลอดเลือดสมองในระยะเรื้อรังของงานกายภาพบำบัด กลุ่มงานเวชกรรมฟื้นฟู โรงพยาบาลศรีนครินทร์: การศึกษาแบบย้อนหลัง

Maneepun Laophosri; Waritsara Boonsong; Woranon Boonsong; Jittima Saengsuwan

doi:10.64960/srimedj.v41i3.270826

Authors

Maneepun Laophosri Physical therapy unit, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Srinagarind Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Thailand 40002
Waritsara Boonsong Physical therapy unit, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Srinagarind Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Thailand 40002
Woranon Boonsong Physical therapy unit, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Srinagarind Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Thailand 40002
Jittima Saengsuwan Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Thailand 40002

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.64960/srimedj.v41i3.270826

Keywords:

chronic stroke, physical therapy, physical rehabilitation

Abstract

Background and objectives: Stroke is a major cause of mortality and long-term disability worldwide. Following the acute phase, many patients transition to the chronic phase and continue to experience persistent motor impairments that adversely affect activities of daily living. Physical rehabilitation plays an important role in reducing disability and preventing complications related to immobility, even in the chronic phase. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of an 8-week physical rehabilitation program on physical performance in patients with chronic stroke.

Methods: This retrospective single-group pre-post study was conducted as a routine-to-research project. Physical performance was assessed before and after an 8-week physical rehabilitation program. Outcome measures included gait speed assessed by the 10-Meter Walk Test (10MWT), muscle strength assessed by the Five-Times Sit-to-Stand Test (FTSST) and hand-grip strength (HGS); balance assessed using the Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT) and Functional Reach Test (FRT); and flexibility assessed using the Sit-and-Reach Test. Each test was performed twice, and the best value was used for analysis. Data were analyzed using paired t-tests.

Results: A total of 33 patients were included, of whom 17 (51.5%) were male, with a mean age of 65.5±13.9 years. The median time since stroke onset was 2 years (interquartile range 2 years). Physical performance improved significantly following the physical rehabilitation program. Gait speed increased (mean difference [MD] of 0.15 m/s, p < 0.001). TUGT time decreased (MD -11.5 seconds, p < 0.001). FRT distance increased (MD 3.6 cm, p < 0.001). FTSST time decreased (MD -6.5 seconds, p < 0.001). HGS increased (MD 2.4 kg, p < 0.001), and flexibility improved (MD 3.12 cm, p < 0.001).

Conclusion: Continuous physical rehabilitation in patients with chronic stroke was associated with improved physical performance. The observed improvements across multiple functional domains—including gait, balance, muscle strength, and flexibility—suggest that meaningful functional gains remain achievable even in the chronic phase of stroke.

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