Visual and acoustic feedback on the support reaction for upper and lower extremities: a case study of a female patient after a stroke

Stroke is the leading cause of adult disability worldwide. The consequences of a stroke can include various disorders, namely, motor, cognitive, emotional, and behavioral disorders, which, in their turn, lead to a decreased daily life activities and self-care ability, and affect quality of life of the patients. This article describes a  clinical case of the implementation of a  new comprehensive program for neurorehabilitation treatment in a female patient in the early recovery period from ischemic stroke with spastic hemiparesis, moderate cognitive impairment and affective disorders. The neurorehabilitation program is based on the use support reaction biofeedback through auditory and visual channels. Classical static and dynamic stabilometric trainings were sequentially used in the patient standing on the platform, as well as exercises with a force joystick for the upper limb in the sitting position. The multifaceted program also included classes with a speech therapist/neuropsychologist, as well as physical therapy with an instructor. The treatment resulted in an improvement in the patient's general condition, restoration of the upper limb movement function, normalization of cognitive functions, and regression of affective disorders. The treatment-related effects were persistent, and the assessment of the neurological status at 3 months' follow-up showed no deterioration of neurological symptoms. Thus, the multifaceted rehabilitation treatment based on the combination of increased physical activity and sensory stimulation, as well as cognitive tasks, may facilitate good recovery after a stroke.