Effect of long-term climbing training on cerebellar ataxia: a case series.
- Stephan MA Department of Medicine, University of Fribourg, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland.
- Marianne Anke S Department of Medicine, University of Fribourg, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland.
- Krattinger S
- Sylvie K
- Pasquier J
- Jérôme P
- Bashir S
- Shahid B
- Fournier T
- Thomas F
- Ruegg DG
- Dieter Georg R
- Diserens K
- Karin D
- 2011-12-23
Published in:
- Rehabilitation research and practice. - 2011
English
Background. Efficient therapy for both limb and gait ataxia is required. Climbing, a complex task for the whole motor system involving balance, body stabilization, and the simultaneous coordination of all 4 limbs, may have therapeutic potential. Objective. To investigate whether long-term climbing training improves motor function in patients with cerebellar ataxia. Methods. Four patients suffering from limb and gait ataxia underwent a 6-week climbing training. Its effect on ataxia was evaluated with validated clinical balance and manual dexterity tests and with a kinematic analysis of multijoint arm and leg pointing movements. Results. The patients increased their movement velocity and achieved a more symmetric movement speed profile in both arm and leg pointing movements. Furthermore, the 2 patients who suffered the most from gait ataxia improved their balance and 2 of the 4 patients improved manual dexterity. Conclusion. Climbing training has the potential to serve as a new rehabilitation method for patients with upper and lower limb ataxia.
- Language
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- English
- Open access status
- gold
- Identifiers
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- DOI 10.1155/2011/525879
- PMID 22191034
- Persistent URL
- https://sonar.ch/global/documents/139348
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