PHYSICAL THERAPY INTERVENTIONS FOR THE PATIENTS WITH HEREDITARY SPASTIC PARAPARESIS? AN EXPLORATORY CASE REPORTS

Background and purpose: Hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) is a genetic disorder characterised by progressive weakness and spasticity of the lower limbs. To date, the structured rehabilitation programme for the patient with HSP is not documented. The objective of the study is to illustrate the effectiveness of the str uctured 8- week intensive rehabilitation programme (SEIRP). Case description: Two middle aged adult patients with HSP were included in this case reports. Both of them were brothers and sisters and classified under pure HSP type. Case 1 was a 45-year old with equinovarus deformity, paraparesis and severe spasticity. Case 2 was a 43-year old female presented with toe walking on left due to severe spasticity and hyperreflexia of the lower li mbs. Interventions: The participants were given intensive physiotherapy programme which includes, stretching, strengthening and functional exercise program for the period of 8 weeks. Each treatment sessions las ted for about 60-90 minutes per day, 6 days per week. Outcomes: The outcome measures used were Timed Up and Go test (TUG), Functional Reach Test (FRT), timed 10 m Walk Test (10mWT) and Two-minute Walk Test (2MWT ). Baseline measurements were taken before initiating the intervention, at 4 th week and end of 8 th week. Results: On completion of 8-week intensive physiotherapy programme results in Improvements were noted in all the outcome measures. Conclusion: SEIRP may be feasible and beneficial in improving the functional abilities in patients with HSP