Physiotherapy rehabilitation in patients with Stiff Person Syndrome: Integrative Review

Abstract

Introduction: Stiff Person Syndrome is a rare neuroimmunological disease of the central nervous system characterized by painful spasms and progressive rigidity involving the proximal muscles of the limbs and axial muscles of the trunk. The classic form has an insidious onset with gradual worsening over time and often leads to permanent disability.

Objective: To analyze the studies published in the scientific literature that used physiotherapeutic rehabilitation as a proposal for treating motor symptoms in Stiff Person Syndrome.

Method: This is an integrative review of the literature carried out from July to December 2022 in the PubMed, SciELO, LILACS and VHL databases.

Results: 12 articles published between 2002 and 2021 were found, which discussed physiotherapeutic treatment in this population. The scarce number of studies is due to the rarity of the pathology, which makes it difficult to carry out robust clinical trials. The selected articles were case reports of one or more individuals, focusing on interventions carried out according to each functional complaint presented, these being pain, muscle weakness, joint hypomobility, stiffness, postural instability, changes in gait and limitations in walking activities. daily life.

Conclusion: Physiotherapy rehabilitation is part of symptomatological treatment and aims to help maintain functionality and quality of life, minimizing the motor repercussions that are triggered by the syndrome.