Effects of physical therapy on mental function in patients with stroke

In this study, we aimed to determine the effects of physical therapy intervention on mental function in patients with stroke.

In this retrospective experimental study, we included 134 patients previously diagnosed with anxiety and depression who presented to our outdoor physical therapy clinic with hemiplegia owing to stroke during 2016 to 2018. The main interventions were neurodevelopmental techniques, strength training, stationary cycling, and shoulder wheel exercise. The treatment duration was 6 months, 5 days a week. Key outcome measurement tools included the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Disability Rating Scale (DRS), and Functional Independent Measure (FIM). Baseline and post-interventional measurements were compared using a paired-sample t-test.

Baseline scores on the PHQ-9, DRS, and FIM were 24.77±1.24, 19.67±1.25, and 20.77±1.74, respectively; post-intervention scores on these three scales were 9.08±0.49, 7.78±1.49, and 82.52±10.03 respectively. In the comparison, significant differences were observed between baseline and post-interventional scores.

We found that physiotherapy interventions improved motor function in patients with stroke as well as their mental function. Patients with stroke with impaired mental function can improve by participating in a physiotherapy treatment program.