Integral intervention in stroke

Abstract

Introduction: The debate on what types of interventions for the recovery of the stroke offer better results to the patient continues. Objective: to evaluate the effect of a comprehensive intervention during six months on the functional recovery in patients with stroke. Methods: The sample consisted of 42 participants with stroke divided into two groups, the experimental group (N = 22), mean age 52,68(SD=14,39), that received an integral, intensive and multidisciplinary intervention, and the control group (N = 20), mean age 56,20 (SD=14,82), that did not received this type of intervention. The following indexes of severity of the stroke were assessed: Glasgow Coma Scale, Canadian Scale, stay in ICU, signs of uncal herniation, signs of intracranial hypertension, volume of hematoma / ischemic area, displacement of the midline, need for surgery and total hospitalization time. Both groups were equivalent in these severity indexes. The degree of functionality was measured by the application of the Functional Independence Measure and Functional Assessment Measurement scale (FIM-FAM). This test was applied at the beginning of the intervention and again after 6 months. Results: A positive progress was observed in both groups in all areas of FIM-FAM scale. Integral intervention and a lesser hospitalization time were related to a better functional improvement in stroke. Conclusion: the need of integral rehabilitation strategies is suggestedin patients with stroke.