Rehabilitation of A Child with Low Endurance in the Recovery Phase of Guillain-Barré Syndrome

BACKGROUND: Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) usually has a good prognosis of recovery. However, some patients can have remaining disabilities due to low cardiorespiratory fitness or endurance and needs to be managed.

AIMS: This study reports the rehabilitation assessment and management of a child with low cardiorespiratory endurance in the recovery phase of GBS.

CASE: A 12-year-old girl with a history of hospitalization due to Acute Motor and Sensory Axonal Neuropathy (AMSAN)-type of GBS was referred to the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PMR) outpatient clinic with tiredness that restricted her school participation. She had low cardiorespiratory endurance, which was confirmed by a six-minute walk test (6-MWT). After the rehabilitation program, her endurance level was increased, and she can return to school.

DISCUSSION: A comprehensive assessment showed that the muscle weakness, accompanied by obesity, anemia, and inactivity, led to low cardiorespiratory endurance that restricted the activity and participation. A rehabilitation program that consisted of aerobic and strengthening exercises improved cardiorespiratory endurance, walking ability, and school participation.

CONCLUSION: Rehabilitation management in children with low cardiorespiratory endurance due to the sub-acute phase of GBS could help them regain their activity and participation during the recovery phase.