A clinical study on the efficacy of natural therapeutic factors in Băile Tuşnad for the rehabilitation of post-stroke patients
Keywords
Article abstract
Introduction. Stroke is one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Hypotonic carbonated mineral waters in Băile Tușnad are used for their peripheral and cerebral vasodilator effects in the prophylaxis, therapy and rehabilitation of cardiovascular patients. Objectives. The aim of the clinical study was to assess the efficacy of natural therapeutic factors in Băile Tușnad for continuing the rehabilitation of post-stroke patients in a spa and climatic resort for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Methods. The study included 30 patients with a history of stroke, aged between 56 and 89 years, with a mean age of 69 years, at the Facility Treatment of the Tușnad Spa Complex SA, in the period AprilDecember 2014. The clinical study was a prospective longitudinal analysis. Of all 30 patients, 50% had ischemic stroke, 43% transient cerebral ischemic attack, and 7% hemorrhagic stroke. Hemiparesis was the most frequent clinical sign, followed by coordination, balance and gait disorders. Patients attended rehabilitation treatment consisting of kinesiotherapy, carbonated mineral water baths for 15 minutes, aerotherapy for 30 minutes daily, massotherapy, performed daily for 16 days. Each patient was clinically assessed before and after treatment based on the TINETTI Balance Scale, the 10-m walk test, the Motor Assessment Scale, the BARTHEL Index, adverse reactions. Results. At the end of treatment, an improvement in the walking speed, a statistically significant improvement in the quality of gait were observed, p < 0.05. Statistically significant results p<0.05 were also obtained for balance. On the Motor Assessment Scale, by comparing the means before and after treatment with the paired T test, a statistically significant value p<0.05 was obtained. When evaluating the patients’ performance for 10 activities of daily living depending on the need for external assistance, using the Barthel Index, the value of p <0.05 was statistically significant. There were no side reactions to the treatment applied. Conclusions. Natural therapeutic factors, i.e., carbonated mineral water baths and aerotherapy, along with kinesiotherapy, indicated for rehabilitation treatment in post-stroke patients, influenced the clinical and functional picture, determining a significant improvement of the quality of gait, balance, and an increase in the autonomy of these patients. Continuing the rehabilitation treatment, in the absence of contraindications, in spa and climatic resorts, is extremely important and necessary for poststroke patients.