Decreasing fall risk in spinocerebellar ataxia

[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...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of Physical Therapy Science 2015, Vol.27(4), pp.1223-1225
Main Authors: Laura Alice Santos de Oliveira, Martins, Camilla Polonini, Horsczaruk, Carlos Henrique Ramos, Débora Cristina Lima da Silva, Martins, José Vicente Pereira, Vasconcelos, Luiz Felipe Rocha, Rodrigues, Erika de Carvalho
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Balance
Original
Physical therapy
SCA
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Summary:[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.
ISSN:0915-5287
2187-5626
DOI:10.1589/jpts.27.1223