SAINS INDONESIANA

Exercise-Based Physiotherapy Intervention for Optimizing Motor Function and Lung Capacity in Elderly Patients with Physical Weakness and Cardiovascular Dysfunction: A Case Study

Hendrawan Arief, Dwi Setiyawati, Sohimah — Mon, 11 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Background:Older adults with physical frailty and cardiovascular dysfunction are at high risk of decreased mobility and pulmonary capacity, leading to reduced independence and quality of life. A multicomponent physiotherapy exercise program may optimize both functions. Objective: To evaluate the effects of a multicomponent physiotherapy intervention on mobility and pulmonary capacity in an older adult with physical frailty and cardiovascular dysfunction. Methods: A single-subject research design (A-B-A) was conducted on a 70-year-old female patient diagnosed as frail with a history of hypertension. The 6-week intervention included resistance training, aerobic exercise, balance training, and breathing exercises. Outcomes measured were Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), 30-Second Chair Stand Test, Timed Up and Go (TUG), Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second (FEV₁), Maximal Inspiratory Pressure (MIP), and Borg Dyspnea Scale. Results: After intervention, the 6MWT distance increased by 33.3%, lower limb strength by 50%, TUG time decreased by 23.9%, FVC increased by 13.5%, FEV₁ by 12.0%, MIP by 23.6%, and Borg Dyspnea Scale score decreased by 40%. Most improvements were retained during follow-up. Conclusion: A multicomponent physiotherapy program was effective in improving mobility and pulmonary capacity in an older adult with physical frailty and cardiovascular dysfunction, and was safe for clinical application.

EFFECTIVENESS OF CLOSE KINETIC CHAIN TRAINING METHOD WITH ISOMETRIC QUADRICEPS ON INCREASING QUADRICEPS MUSCLE STRENGTH IN OSTEOARTHRITIS PATIENTS

Wishnu Subroto SST.FT, S.Ft.,M.Or wishnu, Bejo Danang, Kasron — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease with unclear etiology and pathogenesis, characterized by gradual loss of joint cartilage. The primary abnormality in OA is cartilage damage, which can be followed by subchondral bone thickening, osteophyte growth, ligament damage, and mild inflammation of the synovium, resulting in the formation of an effusion in the affected joint. Osteoarthritis generally affects older individuals, particularly weight-bearing joints, such as the knee, hip (coxa), lumbar, and cervical joints. The knee is the most frequently affected joint by OA. One symptom of knee osteoarthritis is pain. This pain can cause a person to fear activity or movement, thus reducing their quality of life. Recommended non-pharmacological therapies include exercise. Other types of exercise that can be done include home exercises, Range of Motion (ROM), strengthening exercises including quadriceps and hamstring exercises, and aerobics such as walking, cycling, and swimming. The goals of this exercise include improving joint function, increasing joint trength, protecting joints from damage by reducing stress, preventing disability, and improving physical fitness. These exercises are tailored to the patient's condition and abilities.The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of Closed Kinetic Chain exercises with Isometric Quadriceps on increasing muscle strength in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Methods: This study used a quasi-experimental method with a randomized pretest-posttest. Twenty patients participated using ordinal regression statistical tests. Inclusion criteria were those over 40 years of age with a diagnosis of osteoarthritis and willing to participate. Results: Closed Kinetic Chain exercises were statistically effective
in increasing muscle strength with a probability value (p=0.005). Conclusion: Based on the analysis and statistical test calculations, the following conclusions can be drawn: 1) Closed Kinetic Chain exercises are effective in increasing
quadriceps muscle strength in patients with osteoarthritis. 2) Isometric quadriceps exercises are effective in increasing muscle strength in patients with osteoarthritis. 3) There is a difference in the effectiveness of closed kinetic chain and isometric quadriceps exercises in increasing muscle strength in people with knee osteoarthritis.

Physiotherapy Management for Pulmonary and Neuromuscular Disorders in Post-Craniotomy Patients: A Case Study

Setiyawati Dwi, Arief Hendrawan, Sohimah — Mon, 11 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Background:Post-craniotomy patients often experience pulmonary complications due to immobility and decreased consciousness, as well as neuromuscular impairments such as hemiplegia and spasticity that hinder functional recovery. Objective: To evaluate the effects of integrated physiotherapy interventions on respiratory function, neuromuscular performance, and functional independence in a post-craniotomy patient. Methods: A single-case study was conducted on a 61-year-old male post-craniotomy patient with right hemiplegia, spasticity, and excessive sputum production. The intervention was delivered 5 times/week for 12 weeks and included breathing exercises, airway clearance techniques, positional changes, passive-active mobilization, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF), and functional training. Outcomes measured included SpO₂, sputum volume, respiratory rate, Borg Dyspnea Scale, Modified Ashworth Scale, Brunnstrom Recovery Stage, Functional Independence Measure, and mobility time. Results: SpO₂ improved from 92% to 96%, sputum volume decreased from 25 ml to 8 ml/day, spasticity decreased (MAS from 3 to 1), BRS improved (stage 2 to 4), and FIM score increased from 35 to 72. Conclusion: Integrated physiotherapy interventions effectively improved pulmonary function, reduced spasticity, enhanced motor ability, and accelerated independence in a post-craniotomy patient, suggesting their potential inclusion in multidimensional rehabilitation protocols for similar cases.