NEUROPHYSIOLOGICAL MECHANISMS UNDERLYING PHYSIOTHERAPY IN HEMIPARETICSTROKE PATIENTS

According to everyday experience in rehabilitation, stroke patients su ffering from central hemiparesis physiotherapy is efficacious in reduc ing the degree of motor impairment. This paper describes the various t herapeutic techniques used in the traditional physiotherapeutic concep ts (Rood, Bobath, Brunnstrom, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitatio n, Vojta) and their basic neurophysiological mechanisms, as far as the y are known today. Furthermore, the significant role of treating impai red sensation and perception for movement execution is discussed and v arious therapeutic concepts (traditional sensibility training, methods according to Affolter and Perfetti, forced use) are described.