Balance exercise in patients with chronic sensory ataxic neuropathy: a pilot study.
Although exercise therapy is considered part of the treatment of neuropathic patients, and somatosensory input is essential for motor learning, performance and neural plasticity, rehabilitation of patients with sensory ataxia has received little attention so far. The aim of this prospective pilot study was to explore the short- and medium-term efficacy of a 3-week intensive balance and treadmill exercise program in chronic ataxic neuropathy patients; 20 consecutive patients with leg overall disability sum score (ODSS-leg) ≥2, absent/mild motor signs, clinical and therapeutic stability ≥4 months were enrolled. Evaluations were done at baseline, at the end of treatment and at 3- and 6-month follow-up. Outcome measurements included: ODSS-leg, Berg balance scale, 6-min walk distance, and the functional independence measure (FIM) scale. The short-form-36 health status scale (SF-36) was used to measure health-related quality of life (HRQoL). ODSS-leg improved significantly compared with baseline, 3 weeks, 3 months (primary outcome), and 6 months follow-up. A significant improvement in all functional secondary outcome measurements and in some SF-36 subscales was also observed. This pilot study suggests that balance exercise is safe and well tolerated and might be effective in ameliorating disability and HRQoL in patients with chronic peripheral sensory ataxia.
Department of Neurology and Institute of Experimental Neurology (INSPE), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.
Nilo
N
Riva
Simone
S
Faccendini
Ignazio D
ID
Lopez
Annamaria
A
Fratelli
Daniele
D
Velardo
Angelo
A
Quattrini
Roberto
R
Gatti
Giancarlo
G
Comi
Mauro
M
Comola
Raffaella
R
Fazio
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001259:Ataxia / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D010865:Pilot Projects; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life; D013997:Time Factors; D055815:Young Adult
balance; exercise therapy; gait disorders; polyneuropathy; sensory ataxia