Effect of Adding Physical Exercises to Cognitive Rehabilitation in Post-Ischemic Stroke Patients

S. Abdelbaky, Aml; Nesnawy, Sherif; Ali Ahmed Mohamed, Asma; H. Mohamed, Amal; A. Mohamed, Ebtsam; AbdelRazik AbdelHakim, Eman

doi:10.21608/ejhc.2022.301803

Effect of Adding Physical Exercises to Cognitive Rehabilitation in Post-Ischemic Stroke Patients

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Lecturer of Medical-surgical Nursing, Faculty of Nursing- Minia University, Egypt.

² Lecturer of Critical Care Nursing and emergency, Faculty of Nursing- Minia University, Egypt.

³ Assistance. Prof. of Community Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Minia University, Egypt.

⁴ Lecturer of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Minia University, Egypt.

10.21608/ejhc.2022.301803

Abstract

Abstract: Cognitive impairment is a prevalent concern in post-ischemic stroke patients. And independently linked to lower quality of life, increased mortality rates as well as increases the risk of falling, institutionalization, and healthcare costs. Therefore, multicomponent rehabilitation is necessary for managing it. Aim of the research: To evaluate the effect of adding physical exercises to cognitive rehabilitation in post-ischemic stroke patients. Research design: A quasi-experimental research design (study/ control) was utilized in the current research. Research setting: The current research was conducted at intermediate stroke department and follow-up at rehabilitation out-patient clinic. Sample: purposive sample of 90 patients (male and female) with cognitive impairment after being diagnosed with ischemic stroke were recruited into three groups with equal rate; the intervention groups (cognitive training = 30, and combined physical and cognitive training =30) and one control group = 30. Tools: structured interview questionnaire, Montreal cognitive assessment scale and modified Rankin Scale. Results: The study findings showed a significant improvement in the cognitive functions from moderate impairment at baseline for combined physical and cognitive training and cognitive training groups (80% and 73.3 %) respectively to mild impairment post six-months intervention (100 % and 76.6 %) respectively. Conclusion: Adding physical exercises to cognitive rehabilitation intervention induced greater advantages on cognitive function and disability levels among post-ischemic stroke patients. Recommendation: Establishing training programs for patients that contain a multi-component intervention and cognitive training for PSCI.

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