Long-term effects of coordinative training in degenerative cerebellar disease

✍ Scribed by Winfried Ilg; Doris Brötz; Susanne Burkard; Martin A. Giese; Ludger Schöls; Matthis Synofzik

• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
• Year: 2010
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 459 KB
• Volume: 25
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0885-3185
• DOI: 10.1002/mds.23222

✦ Synopsis

Abstract

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. © 2010 Movement Disorder Society