The effect of ergotherapy on functional recovery of upper extremities in patients with traumatic disease of the cervical spinal cord in the late rehabilitation period

Aim. The purpose of the article is to study the effect of physical rehabilitation on the correction of motor disorders in individuals with traumatic disease (TD) of the cervical portion (C6-C7) of the spine in the late rehabilitation period and experimentally substantiate the features of recovery in the upper extremities. Materials and methods. The experiment involved 30 patients with TD of the cervical portion (C6-C7) of the spine in the late rehabilitation period (2 to 12 months after injury). To assess motor functions in the examined patients, manual muscle testing and dynamometry were performed for measuring muscle strength. The study of the function of the hand was carried out using an adapted modified test. The Barthel scale and the daily activity questionnaire were used to study the formation of self-service skills. The obtained data were processed with the Statistica 10.0 and Microsoft Excel Professional software. Results. The modified method of physical rehabilitation for people with TD of the cervical portion (C6-C7) of the spine in the interim period is a set of practically tested technologies. These technologies include a comprehensive set of activities and the following methods of kinesitherapy: PNF (proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation), Bobath-therapy, Trankviletati method, Feldenkrais method, as well as mechanotherapy with specialized simulators (Dikul). Ergotherapy is a separate element, which is included in rehabilitation of patients with TD of the cervical portion of the spine together with exercise therapy, daily exercises. Conclusion. As a result of the use of a modified method of physical rehabilitation, in patients of the experimental group, the amplitude and muscle strength of the upper extremities significantly increased, the dynamics of the manipulative function of the hand and self-care skills improved in relation to initial values and the control group.