Zeitschrift für klinische Fallberichte

Feasibility of Using Erigo and Lokomat in Rehabilitation for Patient in Vegetative State: A Case Report

Abstract

Rusek W, Adamczyk M, Baran J, Leszczak J and Pop T

Objective: The rehabilitation of a patient recovering from a coma is a serious challenge in clinical practice. The aim of this study was to present the feasibility of using modern devices in rehabilitation for a patient in a vegetative state. Case report: The studies involved a 48-year-old female patient who at the age of 47 suffered an intracerebral haemorrhage. The patient, for 12 months, was in the stationary ward, and from Monday till Friday underwent a rehabilitation program including individual therapies, Erigo and Lokomat. A functional study included: measurements of the passive range of motion of the upper and lower limbs, angle of catch, the Modified Ashworth Scale and the Glasgow Coma Scale. Results: Proposed treatment had an impact on reducing the severity of the coma, improving the range of motion, decreasing the angle of catch, spasticity reduction and the patient’s independence in terms of maintaining the head while sitting. Conclusion: The combination of Erigo and Lokomat with conventional therapy, in the case of patients in the vegetative state, allows the maintenance of proper ranges of motion, prevention of oedema, maintenance of proper limb circumferences, improvement of orthostatic reactions and reduction of spasticity.