Progressive intervention strategy for the gait of sub-acute stroke patient using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health tool
Affiliations: [a]
Department of Physical Therapy, Wonkwang University School of Medicine & Hospital, Iksan, Jeollabuk-do, Republic of Korea
| [b]
Department of Physical Therapy, Applied Kinesiology and Ergonomic Technology Laboratory, The Graduate School, Yonsei University, Wonju, Kangwon-do, Republic of Korea
Correspondence:
[*]
Address for correspondence: Heon-Seock Cynn, Department of Physical Therapy, Applied Kinesiology and Ergonomic Technology Laboratory, The Graduate School, Yonsei University, 220-710, Baekwoon-kwan, Yonsei University, 1 Yonseidae-gil, Wonju, Kangwon-do, Republic of Korea. Tel.: +82 33 760 2427; Fax: +82 33 760 2496; E-mail: cynn@yonsei.ac.kr.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: The International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) provides models for functions and disabilities. The ICF is presented as a frame that enables organizing physical therapists’ clinical practice for application. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present study was to describe processes through which stroke patients are assessed and treated based on the ICF model. METHODS: The patient was a 65-year-old female diagnosed with right cerebral artery infarction with left hemiparesis. Progressive interventions were applied, such as those aiming at sitting and standing for the first two weeks, gait intervention for the third and fourth weeks, and those aiming at sitting from a standing position for the fifth and sixth weeks. RESULTS: The ICF model provides rehabilitation experts with a frame that enables them to accurately identify and understand their patients’ problems. The ICF model helps the experts understand not only their patients’ body structure, function, activity, and participation, but also their problems related to personal and environmental factors. CONCLUSIONS: The experts could efficiently make decisions and provide optimum treatment at clinics using the ICF model.
Keywords: Stroke, ICF model, progressive intervention, case study
