Citation

Santos de Oliveira LA, Martins CP, Horsczaruk CH, Lima da Silva DC, Martins JV, Vasconcelos LF, Rodrigues Ede C. J. Phys. Ther. Sci. 2015; 27(4): 1223-1225.

Affiliation

Post-graduation Program in Rehabilitation Sciences, Augusto Motta University Center, Brazil ; Federal Institute of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2015, Society of Physical Therapy Science)

DOI

10.1589/jpts.27.1223

PMID

25995594

PMCID

PMC4434015

Abstract

[Purpose] Spinocerebellar ataxia consists of a group of autosomal dominant disorders that cause progressive degeneration, mainly in the cerebellum and its connections. Falls, which are a significant concern of this condition, reduce patients' mobility, deteriorate their health and have physical and social consequences. The aim of this study was to test the effectiveness of a modified protocol for improving balance and diminishing the fall risk of spinocerebellar ataxia patients exclusively. [Subjects and Methods] Exercises aiming to improve static and dynamic balance, whole body movements, measures to prevent falls and falling strategies were performed twice per week for four weeks by 11 spinocerebellar ataxia patients. Balance was evaluated using the Berg Balance Scale. [Results] The results show that there was a significant increase in Berg Balance Scale scores after the interventions (Wilcoxon p=0.0034). [Conclusion] This study demonstrated that the modified protocol is effective at reducing the fall risk of spinocerebellar ataxia patients. This protocol may be a useful option for appropriately coping with falls caused by spinocerebellar ataxia.

Language: en