The Influence of Physiоtherapy Program on Activities in Daily Living in Patients With Disc Herniation After Syrgery

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of one-month specialized physiоtherapy program on activities of daily live in patients with disc herniation after spinal surgery. Twenty patients with disc herniation after surgery were studied. They were divided into two groups, a control group (СG n=10) and an experimental group (EG n=10). The assessment was made on the day of discharge and one month after surgery. The Activities in Daily Living (ADL) were examined with Oswestry disability index and Functional gait assessment test. Gait training and exercises imitating the ADL at home for one month after surgery were given to the EG. The CG was received standard physical therapy program. The results show that the highest improvement in the ADL was seen in sitting, standing and social life. The biggest difference in walking was observed in walking in different directions and walking backward. Discussion: Postoperative management of patients undergoing spinal surgeries emphasize suitable positioning coupled with patient education and advice on reinforcing self-management and on building activities appropriately. Proper implementation of the ADL lead to faster recovery and increase the independence in daily living. Conclusions: The performance of ADL exercises combined with gait training may significantly improve the possibilities for walking and increace the independence in daily living in patients after lumbar disc herniation surgery.