Abstract
A patient with seronegative Myasthenia Gravis was seen for 16 sessions of physical therapy treatment during his stay at a large urban hospital for a 4-week period. Treatment was provided by a student physical therapist under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist. Upon initial evaluation the patient was intubated for progressive dysphagia and progressive worsening respiratory distress and unable to participate in transfers or ambulation. During his course of stay, the following measures were used to assess his balance, strength, endurance and functional mobility: Tinetti Performance Oriented Mobility Assessment, Five Times Sit to Stand, and Two Minute Walk Test. Impairments were identified and a plan of care was established. The goals for this patient were to improve balance, endurance, functional strength and mobility, and to return to him to his prior level of function. The patient’s most significant goal was to be able to return home, which required that he be able to ascend the 22-stairs to enter to his home. The primary interventions for this patient included balance, transfer, gait, and stair training exercises with an emphasis on functional application and close monitoring of vital signs. The patient achieved gains in balance, strength, gait, stairs and overall functional ability and independence. The patient was able to discharge home with a home exercise program and physical therapy home health services.