Jolanta Zwolińska
Andrzej Kwolek
Wojciech Bieniasz
Olga Wolińska
Usefulness of selected methods of diagnosing and assessing effectiveness of rehabilitation of patients with neurological disorders
Jolanta Zwolińska
Andrzej Kwolek
Wojciech Bieniasz
Olga Wolińska
Institute of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rzeszow, Rzeszow, Poland
Institute of Physiotherapy of University of Rzeszów, Poland
Wydział Budowy Maszyn i Lotnictwa Politechniki Rzeszowskiej
Faculty of Medicine, University of Rzeszów, Rzeszów, Poland
Abstract
Appropriately conducted assessment of patient's functional condition allows for planning and carrying out the process of recovery, as well as monitor the progress achieved in its course. Particularly useful ‘means for making such assessment include modern, objective diagnostic methods. The rapid developments
in rehabilitation and its basic area, neurorehabilitation, require application of advanced diagnostic methods. The goal of the study: usefulness evaluation regarding computer-based methods which were applied in diagnostics and in assessment of rehabilitation effects in patients with neurological disorders. Computer-based instruments described in the study: electronic appliance for hand diagnosis, and appliance for foot diagnosis rank among advanced diagnostic methods. The operating principles of the hand testing device is the microcomputer-based system of measurement, processing and presentation of infor‘mation. The equipment allows for conducting measurements of palmar surface of the hand, the range of ‘movement in the joints of the hand, as well as the global handgrip strength. A specially designed computer programme makes it possible to collect results and present them on the computer screen. The equipment for foot diagnosis measures the range of movement in the saggital plane in the ankle joint and the strength of the muscles responsible for this movement. The equipment also enables keeping record and archiving the obtained data. Other significant features of the presented appliances include their simple and fast handling. The results of the conducted introductory tests show that the presented appliances allow for high precision observation of the changes in the condition of the examined extremity as well as the progress achieved by rehabilitation. The development of objective diagnostic methods used in monitoring the treatment progress will undoubtedly contribute to further enhancement and improvement of effectiveness of the administered therapeutic programmes.
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