Long-term effects of coordinative training in degenerative cerebellar disease.
Few clinical studies have evaluated physiotherapeutic interventions for patients with degenerative cerebellar disease. In particular, evidence for long-term effects and transfer to activities of daily life is rare. We have recently shown that coordinative training leads to short-term improvements in motor performance. To evaluate long-term benefits and translation to real world function, we here assessed motor performance and achievements in activities of daily life 1 year after a 4 week intensive coordinative training, which was followed by a home training program. Effects were assessed by clinical rating scales, a goal attainment score and quantitative movement analysis. Despite gradual decline of motor performance and gradual increase of ataxia symptoms due to progression of disease after 1 year, improvements in motor performance and achievements in activities of daily life persisted. Thus, also in patients with degenerative cerebellar disease, continuous coordinative training leads to long-term improvements, which translate to real world function.
Ilg
Winfried
W
Department of Cognitive Neurology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, and Werner Reichardt Centre for Integrative Neuroscience, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
Brötz
Doris
D
Burkard
Susanne
S
Giese
Martin A
MA
Schöls
Ludger
L
Synofzik
Matthis
M
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002526:Cerebellar Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009068:Movement / Q000502:physiology; D019636:Neurodegenerative Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000502:physiology*; D016896:Treatment Outcome