Faculty Advisor(s)
Matthew Somma
Document Type
Course Paper
Publication Date
12-2019
Rights
© 2019 Brandon Bourgoin
Abstract
Background and Purpose: Rhabdomyolysis is a myopathic condition that causes significant muscle wasting following an acute onset. This condition elevates creatine kinase in the bloodstream, and commonly causes the patient to have muscle pain, swelling, and weakness, as well as dark “tea” colored urine. The purpose of this study was to describe physical therapy (PT) interventions used treating a legally blind (LB) elderly male with rhabdomyolysis and multiple comorbidities. Case Description: A 78-year-old male referred to PT with a diagnosis of rhabdomyolysis following a fall in the home. He presented with muscle soreness, decreased lower extremity (LE) strength, and impaired functional mobility. Interventions included LE strengthening, transfer training, gait training on all surfaces, education on symptom management, and modification of assistive devices. Outcomes included the Missouri Alliance for Health Care assessment for fall risk (MAHC-10) and the Performance Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA). Outcomes: The MAHC-10 remained at 6/10 for fall risk. The patient’s POMA was not formally assessed until discharge, where he scored 16/28, falling below the cutoff score of 19 for fall risk. The patient’s LE strength had no significant change except improved ankle strength. Discussion: The proposed interventions appeared to have some benefit for the patient in increasing LE strength and independence with functional mobility. Further research is needed on interventions to improve strength and functional mobility in elderly patients with rhabdomyolysis as existing literature is limited.
Recommended Citation
Bourgoin, Brandon, "Regaining Independence In Ambulation For A Visually Impaired Patient With Rhabdomyolysis: A Case Report" (2019). Case Report Papers. 109.
https://dune.une.edu/pt_studcrpaper/109
Comments
The case report poster for this paper can be found here:
https://dune.une.edu/pt_studcrposter/155/