The Role of Rehabilitation in the Management of Patients with Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease: Report of Two Cases

BACKGROUND: Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease is a hereditary disease with signs of chronic non-progressive motor-sensory neuropathy which is characterised by symmetric muscle atrophy and weakness of the distal portion of lower extremities. AIM: The aim is to present two cases with peroneal muscular atrophy, applied rehabilitation procedures and rehabilitation outcome. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patient DR, aged 51, and patient KH, aged 78. Both patients had weakness and pronounced atrophy of the distal portion of lower extremities, numbness down the legs, contractures in the ankles and walking difficulties. Evaluation of patients included a clinical examination, Barthel Index, Time Up and Go test, measurement of the ankle range of motion, and a manual muscle test. On admission, the Barthel Index score was 60 in the first case, and 80 in the second. The rehabilitation program included exercise therapy with for lower extremity, occupational therapy, stationary bicycle riding, galvanic current, water exercises, and ankle-foot orthoses for both legs. RESULTS: The therapy applied had no significant changes in the clinical neurological status of the patients, but yet it provided some improvement in ankle contractures, better mobility, and a more stable gait. CONCLUSION: The application of rehabilitation procedures in patients with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease can improve their functional status and walking stability.