Folder of therapeutic exercises for people with physical disabilities caused by leprosy

Abstract

The objective of this study was to develop, with the cooperation of patients, a folder that helped in the prescription of therapeutic exercises for people with physical disabilities caused by leprosy. The study was descriptive, observational and qualitative. The sample was composed of 148 patients with indication of physical therapy who participated in the studyin three steps. In the first step, 118 subjects were assessed to define the clinical and epidemiological profile, to identify physical disabilities and check the indication of therapeutic exercises. Of these, 21 were accompanied during the sessions. Performance data was collected while performing the prescribed exercises, and then two initial folder models were prepared containing exercises for hands and feet. In the second stage, 23 subjects (18 from the first stage and 5 included) tested the viability of the folders. After this phase, the initial folder templates were modified with regards to the text, illustrations and layout. In the third step, 42 (17 subjects from the first stage and 25 included) subjects tested the revised folder templates from the second stage. At the end, two final models of folders were elaborated: one with exercises for face/hands/feet and the other only with exercises for hands. Verbal and non-verbal language (drawings) were used to demonstrate the execution of exercises, associated with the Arabic numeral system to facilitate the understanding of the prescriptions. The folders allowed choosing programs of exercises according to the neurological involvement, regardless of age and educational status of the patients.