PHYSICAL THERAPY FOR MIDDLE-AGED PATIENTS IN THE SUBACUTE PERIOD OF ACUTE CEREBROVASCULAR ACCIDENT

Abstract

According to the World Health Organization, stroke remains one of the leading causes of mortality and disability worldwide. Among middle-aged men, the incidence of stroke continues to increase, highlighting the need to develop effective rehabilitation methods for this patient population. Purpose of the study: to develop a physical therapy program for middle-aged patients in the subacute period of acute cerebrovascular accident and to experimentally assess its effectiveness. The study employed theoretical research methods, including analysis, comparison, induction, deduction, systematization, and generalization of scientific and methodological literature, as well as empirical methods and mathematical statistics. The Berg Balance Scale score in the experimental group increased from 44.32 ± 1.75 to 51.32 ± 1.32 points (p < 0.05), confirming a significant improvement in both static and dynamic balance, which is crucial for safe walking and fall prevention. In the control group, the improvement was minimal (from 45.41 ± 1.66 to 47.41 ± 1.32 points; p > 0.05). Statistically significant differences were observed between the final results of both groups. The “Timed Up and Go” test result was significantly better in the experimental group than in the control group by 3.88 s (p < 0.05); the 10-meter walk test — by 0.98 s (p < 0.05); the 6-minute walk test — by 104.9 m (p < 0.05); and the Berg Balance Scale — by 3.91 points (p < 0.05), confirming the effectiveness of the developed program. The obtained results demonstrate that the implementation of a comprehensive physical therapy program incorporating elements of high-intensity training led to significant improvements in functional mobility, gait speed, endurance, and balance among patients in the subacute phase of stroke. In contrast, traditional rehabilitation interventions in the control group did not result in statistically significant changes in any measured parameters, confirming the feasibility and clinical relevance of applying intensive rehabilitation strategies in the early recovery period after stroke.