Stroke is a major health issue for modern society and a serious global problem that can result in impaired physical mobility. Consequently, non-pharmacological interventions are required, one of which is the application of Range of Motion (ROM) exercises. This case study aims to implement ROM therapy to alleviate impaired physical mobility in stroke patients.
The method employed was a case study focusing on a managed patient case. Nursing care was administered in the inpatient ward of Kawedanan Community Health Center over five consecutive days.
At the start of the intervention, Mr. W experienced difficulty moving his extremities and weakness in his right limbs; muscle strength was graded 1 on the right side and 5 on the left. Movements were limited and weak. Passive ROM exercises were performed on his right hand with the following results: flexion above the head reached 180°, elbow flexion reached 130°, and the wrist could perform flexion and extension. Elbow movement reached 90°, though bending the elbow toward the chin caused pain; the fingers were stiff and unable to grasp. Regarding the right leg, passive ROM showed a lift angle of 30°; the sole was stiff during extension, the toes were stiff, and knee/thigh flexion reached 45°, while lifting the leg upward to 90° caused pain. By the end of the intervention, the patient reported improvement, although moving the extremities remained difficult; joint stiffness had decreased, and while weakness persisted, the patient was enthusiastic during ROM therapy, and the family had begun practicing the exercises.
Based on the results of the intervention, progress was observed in the stroke patient with impaired physical mobility before and after the application of ROM therapy. Range of Motion (ROM) therapy can be employed as a non-pharmacological technique for patients experiencing impaired physical mobility due to stroke; however, the process requires a significant amount of time, given that stroke recovery is not a short-term process.