Single-case study in rehabilitation with SaM method (Sense and Mind): a proposal and analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present case report is to describe a new rehabilitation approach for traumatic brain injury (TBI).
BACKGROUND: TBI is a heterogeneous disorder that could be associated with cognitive and behavioral impairments. The clinical complexity of TBI patients requires a specialized and integrated approach that involves several rehabilitation experts (Mazzucchi in La riabilitazione neuropsicologica, Elsevier-Masson, Milan, 2012). SaM method (SaMM) (Risoli in La riabilitazione spaziale, Carocci Faber, Rome, 2013) is a new rehabilitation approach based on "embodied cognition" theory (Gallese and Lakoff in Cogn Neuropsychol 22(3):455-479, 2005) and has the aim to improve spatial abilities through structured body exercises.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: The patient was a 35-year-old male who had TBI 9 months before. The patient was evaluated, before and after the treatment, with neuropsychological tests (Rey Test copy and reproduction, Elithorn Test, Trail Making Test, Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test), Lawton Index for IADL, level of cognitive functioning, and a qualitative process-oriented assessment with SaMM exercises. The patient was treated with SaMM for 4 months, three times a week.
RESULTS: Several of the executed assessments showed an improvement after SaMM treatment. The patient also reported amelioration in some daily activities such as swimming and using phone and money. DISCUSSION: Further investigations are necessary, but the SaMM appeared to be a useful complementary restitutive approach for TBI patients.