EFFECTIVENESS OF PHYSICAL THERAPY INTERVENTIONS FOR RESTORING LOWER LIMB FUNCTION IN INDIVIDUALS WITH PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHIES CAUSED BY MINE-BLAST INJURIES
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32782/2522-1795.2026.20.1.11Keywords:
mine-blast injury, peripheral neuropathy, lower limb, physical therapy, rehabilitation, Functional Foot Index, functional state of the footAbstract
Introduction. Mine-blast injuries of the lower limbs, complicated by peripheral neuropathies, are characterized by polystructural damage, a prolonged recovery period, and a high risk of persistent functional limitations. In such patients, the phased organization of physical therapy is of particular importance, as it allows for the coordination of reconstructed nerve protection, gradual mobilization, sensory re-education, and functional loading.
Objective. To evaluate the impact of a physical therapy algorithm within an individual rehabilitation program for individuals with peripheral neuropathies caused by mine-blast lower limb injuries on pain and function/activity limitations related to foot condition.
Material and Methods. The study involved 40 patients with the consequences of mine-blast lower limb injuries and peripheral neuropathies localized below the knee joint. Patients were divided into the main group (n=19) and the control group (n=21). To assess pain syndrome, functional limitations, and activity levels related to foot condition, the Functional Foot Index (FFI) was used, including subscale analysis of pain, disability, activity limitations, total scores, and the overall FFI percentage (%). Assessments were conducted dynamically under standardized conditions within a rehabilitation department. Statistical processing of the results was performed using comparative analysis methods.
Results. According to the FFI indicators, a consistent advantage of the main group over the control group was established. At the intermediate stage of rehabilitation, the main group showed a lower pain level (Me=32.0 vs. 41.0 points; p<0.001) and a better overall FFI (%) (56.5% vs. 76.5%; p<0.001). At the final stage, intergroup differences persisted and intensified: pain was 17.0 vs. 26.0 points, disability was 27.0 vs. 46.0 points (p<0.001), and the FFI (%) was 32.9% vs. 51.2% (p<0.001) in the main and control groups, respectively. The improvement coefficient was also higher in the main group (1.78±0.42 vs. 1.47±0.18; t=2.99; p=0.005), indicating the higher effectiveness of the proposed physical therapy program.
Conclusions. The proposed physical therapy program for patients with peripheral neuropathies following mine-blast lower limb injuries at the subacute rehabilitation stage ensures a more pronounced reduction in pain and functional limitations, as well as better recovery of the functional state of the foot according to FFI indicators compared to the standard approach.
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