Home-Based Rehabilitation Through Therapeutic Physical Culture During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The study conducted at the “Abel Santamaría Cuadrado” Sports Complex, located in the “Haydée Santamaría Cuadrado” district of Santiago de Cuba municipality, presents the experiences of a physical education instructor in the field of therapeutic physical culture. The objective was to contribute to therapeutic interventions aimed at improving the health of individuals affected by neurological diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic in the community. Through a case study, the progress of a 38-year-old patient diagnosed with Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP) of unknown etiology is described. The patient presented with paraplegic syndrome and muscular atrophy in both upper and lower limbs. Over six months, a home-based rehabilitation program was implemented, incorporating therapeutic massage, active exercises, and assisted passive exercises for joint mobility and muscle toning. The results revealed a remarkable transformation: the patient evolved from a paraplegic state to ambulatory status as a motor response to the treatment, experienced significant improvements in psychological and social well-being, and fulfilled her aspiration of becoming a mother—a milestone that underscores the comprehensive success of the intervention and supports the evidence presented in this case study.