International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research

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A Widely Indexed Open Access Peer Reviewed Multidisciplinary Bi-monthly Scholarly International Journal

Call for Paper Volume 8, Issue 2 (March-April 2026) Submit your research before last 3 days of April to publish your research paper in the issue of March-April.

Enhancing Functional Independence Through Modified Adaptation In Progressive Supranuclear Palsy: A Case Report

Author(s) Dr. Vishakha Vijay Meshram, Dr. Ankita
Country India
Abstract BACKGROUND & RATIONALE
Progressive supranuclear palsy is a rare neurodegenerative disorder, typically presenting between 60–70 years of age with Richardson’s Syndrome as a classical syndrome in PSP. Globally, PSP is estimated to occur at an incidence of 1 per 100,000. PSP is characterised by postural instability, abnormal postures of the limbs, neck, and trunk. Apart from motor impairments, individuals also experience oro-motor difficulties and psychosocial problems. Oro-motor dysfunction interferes with eating, swallowing, and communication. These impairments altogether lead to dependent sitting, poor posture, resulting in ADL dependency, which significantly compromises Quality of life and increases the Caregiver burden.
OBJECTIVES:. To evaluate the impact of customised seating adaptations and assistive device implementation on postural alignment, functional independence in basic ADLs, quality-of-life outcomes, and caregiver burden.
METHODOLOGY:
A 58-year-old patient with PSP, bedridden despite multidisciplinary interventions, presented with complete dependence, loss of self-esteem, and increased caregiver burden which was a great challenge for occupational therapy. A client-centred approach over an 8-week occupational therapy program with customised adaptations was introduced to support posture, self-help skills, and oromotor problems. Outcome measures included the Functional Independence Measure, Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Rating Scale, WHO-QOL BREF, Zarit Burden Interview, and Assessing Caregiver Burden.
RESULTS:
The patient demonstrated marked improvements in posture, independence in ADL, and oromotor functioning, which collectively enhanced QOL. FIM scores improved, PSP-RS scores declined, while WHO-QOL BREF scores indicated reduced caregiver burden, restoring the self-esteem of the patient.
CONCLUSION:
Modified sitting adaptations can be an effective occupational therapy strategy to improve abnormal postures in PSP. This case highlights how individualised assistive technologies and interventions can improve independence, reduce caregiver burden, and enhance quality of life in patients with advanced PSP
Keywords activities of daily living, modified adaptation, progressive supranuclear palsy.
Field Medical / Pharmacy
Published In Volume 8, Issue 1, January-February 2026
Published On 2026-02-18
DOI https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i01.69103

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