Self-management in the treatment of ataxia: a case study in reducing ataxic tremor through relaxation and biofeedback.
This study examined the effects of relaxation training and biofeedback on the ataxic tremor of an adult with an acquired brain injury. The participant was taught relaxation techniques before biofeedback was introduced. Once he was proficient in relaxation, these skills we used as a foundation for biofeedback training. Specific skills crucial to the performance of activities of daily living were trained once the participant was able to control the appropriate musculature according to an individualized criterion level. These skills included eating and the transfer of liquids in a glass. The results demonstrated that the participant learned to decrease the amount of tremor that he experienced. As a result he was better able to feed himself and to drink from a glass with less staff assistance than he had previously required.
Guercio
J
J
Center for Comprehensive Services, Personal Intervention Program, Carbondale, Illinois 62902, USA.
Chittum
R
R
McMorrow
M
M
D000328:Adult; D001676:Biofeedback, Psychology; D001925:Brain Damage, Chronic / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D002524:Cerebellar Ataxia / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D004576:Electromyography; D016489:Head Injuries, Closed / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009048:Motor Skills; D012047:Rehabilitation Centers; D012064:Relaxation Therapy; D012648:Self Care; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014202:Tremor / Q000534:rehabilitation*