Physical Therapy for Central Nervous System in the Elderly

Abstract

Physical therapy for cerebrovascular disorder in the early stage needs flexibility according to disease patterns. Especially in the case of infarction, we should pay attention to the expansion of lesions due to a lowering of blood pressure. For elderly patients, with the aim of preventing disuse syndrome, we should provide physical therapy treatment from the early stage and apply walking aids positively, taking overload to respiration-circulation system or bone-joint system into consideration. With respect to gait, we should offer movement exercise based on appropriate motion analysis that mirrors human postural reflex and chain of loads. Functional disorder and possible recovery are considered to depend on brain lesions and disorder degrees, and physical therapy program should therefore be scrutinized. Rehabilitation for the elderly is apt to be affected by social factors, and we should make efforts to avoid longterm hospitalization. © 2002, The Society of Physical Therapy Science. All rights reserved.