The influence of recreational climbing on changes in selected parameters in person after a stroke – case report

Andrzej Myśliwiec
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Jakub Bielawski
Andrzej Knapik
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Jerzy Rottermund
Edward Saulicz
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Michał Kuszewski
Tomasz Wolny
Department of Kinesitherapy and Special Methods in Physiotherapy, The Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education, Katowice, Poland
Katedra Metod Specjalnych Fizjoterapii oraz Sportu Osób Niepełnosprawnych, AWF Katowice
Wydział Opieki Zdrowotnej, Śląski Uniwersytet Medyczny w Katowicach, Polska
Wydział Fizjoterapii, Wyższa Szkoła Administracji w Bielsku Białej, Polska
Department of Kinesiotherapy and Special Methods of Physiotherapy, Academy of Physical Education in Katowice, Poland
Wydział Fizjoterapii, Akademia Wychowania Fizycznego w Katowicach, Polska
Katedra Metod Specjalnych Fizjoterapii oraz Sportu Osób Niepełnosprawnych, AWF Katowice

Abstract

Introduction: The rehabilitation treatment in persons after a stroke constitutes one of the most difficult problems of medical and psychosocial nature. The rehabilitation of poststroke patients includes many therapeutic methods which generally may be divided into traditional and specialistic. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of recreational climbing on efficiency of selected functional parameters in a post-stroke person who took part in regular individual climbing classes taking place on an artificial climbing wall.

Material and method: The subject of the study was analysis of function of disabled person with right-sided hemiparesis, who became disabled as result of a stroke. At the time of introducing the course of the classes the neurological and functional condition of the patient was assessed as good. The symptoms of right-sided hemiparesis were observed in the patient. The problems, which occurred, referred to faster locomotion and spasticity especially of the right palm which was manifested by difficulties in performing precise movements. The following were performed: a subjective evaluation of the locomotion functions, stairs locomotion test, ‘Get up and go’ test, ‘toe-touch’ test, hand grasping activity test, Berg Balance Scale, evaluation of the range of motion of the paralyzed extremities.

Results: In the subjective self-evaluation test of the quality of performed specific activities, the examined person felt a significant improvement between specific tests, especially during walking down the stairs. Within the range of locomotion abilities of the examined person an improvement in motion and gait, especially stair gait, was discovered. The most noticeable improvement in the hand grasping activity test was observed in pincer and precision grip. The evaluation of the range of motion of the paralyzed upper extremity manifested the greatest improvement in the supination movement and dorsiflexion, while in case of the lower extremity, in the rotational movement.

Conclusions: Rock climbing may constitute an effective element of the functional rehabilitation of post-stroke patients in the period of functional adaptation.

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