Journal article

Effect of long-Term climbing training on cerebellar ataxia: a case series

  • Stephan, Marianne Anke Department of Medicine, University of Fribourg, Switzerland
  • Krattinger, Sylvie Neurological Center Plein Soleil, 1010 Lausanne, Switzerland
  • Pasquier, Jérôme Department of Mathematics, University of Fribourg, Switzerland
  • Bashir, Shahid Department of Medicine, University of Fribourg, Switzerland
  • Fournier, Thomas Department of Mathematics, University of Fribourg, Switzerland
  • Rüegg, Dieter Department of Medicine, University of Fribourg, Switzerland
  • Diserens, Karin Unit of Early Neurorehabilitation, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, CHUV Lausanne, Switzerland
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    05.09.2011
Published in:
  • Rehabilitation Research and Practice. - 2011, vol. 2011, p. 525879
English Background. Efficient therapy for both limb and gait ataxia is required. Climbing, a complex task for the whole motor system involving balance, body stabilization, and the simultaneous coordination of all 4 limbs, may have therapeutic potential. Objective. To investigate whether long-term climbing training improves motor function in patients with cerebellar ataxia. Methods. Four patients suffering from limb and gait ataxia underwent a 6-week climbing training. Its effect on ataxia was evaluated with validated clinical balance and manual dexterity tests and with a kinematic analysis of multijoint arm and leg pointing movements. Results. The patients increased their movement velocity and achieved a more symmetric movement speed profile in both arm and leg pointing movements. Furthermore, the 2 patients who suffered the most from gait ataxia improved their balance and 2 of the 4 patients improved manual dexterity. Conclusion. Climbing training has the potential to serve as a new rehabilitation method for patients with upper and lower limb ataxia.
Faculty
Faculté des sciences et de médecine
Department
Département de Mathématiques, Département de Médecine
Language
  • English
Classification
Biological sciences
License
License undefined
Identifiers
Persistent URL
https://folia.unifr.ch/unifr/documents/302242
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