Počátky neurorehabilitace u nás

Abstract

The origins of neuro-rehabilitation in the Czech Lands are closely bound up with the treatment of infant paralysis (poliomyelitis). The last po- lio epidemic in this country occurred after the Second World War. Our doctors got to know about the method of Sister Kenny, who instead of bed rest treated the condition by active exercise of the affected motor segments. This facilitating technique “woke” the muscle up from its inactivity and this waking-up revived the connection with the directing neurons of the muscle groups that had not been completely destroyed. Our doctors exploited proprioception or signalization about the course of movement from sensors in the muscles and joints. After achieving at least partial therapeutic success they then applied specific work therapy and exploited positive feelings in the relationship between therapist and patient. The rehabilitation of these polio victims was at the time scarcely noticed by medical specialists, but the advances achieved by the treatment and consequent interest in our therapeutic techniques attracted patients from abroad and so our medical practitioners too started to respect the new approaches practiced in the spa Janské Lázně. Repeated therapy, which was of value for maintaining the working capacity of those with motor dis- abilities following infantile paralysis, created a need for trained personnel. This meant that attention came to be paid to the educational side of the whole process. A further advance in the rehabilitation of polio patients came with the neurophysiological findings of Prof. Kabat, which were developed by his colleagues Voss and Knott. The working group of rehabilitation specialistslater to be known as the Prague School gradually formed. Apart from the author it included for example professors Vojta, Janda and Lewit. The Prague Rehabilitation School and the results that it achieved are convincing proof that new findings, fundamentally changing established practice, have their origins in concrete experience. If theoretically worked through and grounded, such experience offers starting points for the further development of knowledge even many years later.