Neurological physiotherapy
Some examples of neurofunctional physiotherapy activities for patients with ataxias.
Videos shared for reference purposes only. Each patient with ataxia has specific needs and should consult a physical therapist to determine which activities are appropriate for their individual needs. Some exercises require supervision from a qualified professional for safer performance.
The importance of Neurological Physiotherapy in cerebellar ataxias
Patients with ataxias (such as hereditary spinocerebellar ataxias and others) experience progressive motor symptoms, including imbalance, limb incoordination, gait difficulties, and in many cases, dysarthria (slurred speech) and dysphagia (swallowing difficulties).
Many types of ataxia are neurodegenerative, with no known cure and a progressively worsening course. In this context, rehabilitation interventions are essential to manage symptoms and preserve functionality.
According to a comprehensive review published in 2022 [3], the treatment of these patients should include multiple forms of rehabilitation, such as motor physiotherapy (neurological physical therapy), respiratory physiotherapy, speech and swallowing therapy, occupational therapy, and assistive technologies (e.g., exergames). The main goal of these approaches is to improve the quality of life of affected individuals by addressing both motor and non-motor deficits caused by ataxia.
Neurofunctional physiotherapy should be maintained throughout all phases of the disease , as it helps maximize the patient's remaining motor potential and mitigate the impact of symptoms. Although more robust clinical trials are still needed to define optimal protocols, the literature [3] indicates that physical rehabilitation brings concrete benefits to these patients:
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Improved balance and motor coordination.
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Increased mobility and walking ability.
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Maintenance of functional independence.
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Possible slowing of functional decline (although the disease continues to progress if it is degenerative).
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Gain strength and improve quality of life.
In summary, neurological physical therapy is crucial in the management of ataxias and should be part of a multidisciplinary rehabilitation program (which, depending on the case, may include speech therapy and occupational therapy). Physical therapy should be conducted by qualified professionals, initiated early , and continued indefinitely , adapting to the individual needs of each stage of the disease.
Videos
REACTIVATE ADVANCED PHYSIOTHERAPY SPACE
Dr. Laura Alice Santo s de Oliveira
Dr. Carlos Henrique Ramos Horsczaruk
Dr. Jaqueline Nunes Burigo de Sa
Neurofunctional physiotherapy, musculoskeletal physiotherapy, osteopathy and physiotherapy for the elderly.
R. Visc. de Pirajá, 550 - room 1005 - Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, ZIP code 22410-901 - Telephone: (21) 96971-5669
CNPJ 47.121.761/0001-65
Renata_ataxia
Living with Ataxia SCA3
- One day at a time.
In love with Yoga ❤️
Ataxia does NOT define me 💪
For more information visit the website:
www.ataxia.info
The videos in this section are shared with the kind permission of REATIVAR ESPAÇO DE FISIOTERAPIA AVANÇADA and with the authorization of Renata Nunes, an ABAHE volunteer and patient with spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3/DMJ), to whom we are grateful. The videos demonstrate neurofunctional physical therapy exercises and activities for patients with ataxias to improve motor coordination, balance, and core strength, and are posted here for reference purposes only. Each patient has specific needs and should consult a qualified physical therapist to determine which activities are appropriate for their case. Some exercises require professional supervision for safer execution .
Image credits (figures) in this section
Rehabilitation in Ataxias
Multidisciplinary Guidance for Patients, Caregivers and Professionals
Organizers
Marize Bueno Zonta
Lucia Helena Coutinho dos Santos
Hélio Afonso Ghizoni Teive
UFPR Publishing House
Examples of exercises from Chapter 3 - APPROACH TO COORDINATION AND BALANCE DYSFUNCTIONS
Marise Bueno Zonta
Luiz Claudio Moura Xavier
Videos: Physiotherapist Dr. Laura Oliveira (Reativar), patient Renata Nunes (ataxia SCA3)
Additional Resources - Physical Therapy for Ataxias
Simulation Training for Balance
Videos with simulated balance training in a controlled environment for patients with ataxias.
Author: Ellie Martin
Feb 2025
11 Exercises for Ataxia Patients
Videos with exercises for patients with ataxia.
Authors: Sheng-Han Kuo MD, Chen-Ya Yang, MD, MPH, and Geraldine Yu, PT, DPT
Oct 2019
ATAXIA.FISIO CHANNEL ON YOUTUBE
The Mexican channel Ataxia Fisio was created to teach physical exercises to patients with degenerative diseases such as hereditary ataxias, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis and strokes, as well as the elderly, spreading the message that it is possible to do physical therapies at home.
There are over 100 videos (in Spanish) with exercises for patients with ataxia and other degenerative neurological diseases.
The link to subscribe to the channel is https://www.youtube.com/@AtaxiaFisio
References
The references below include academic sources and specialized organizations that supported the information on this page. For more information, see the ataxia.info References list .
Ref #1
Source:
Akiyoshi Matsugi et al
Copyright © Frontiers in Neurology
Language:
English
Date:
Jan 2025
Ref #2
Source:
Sarah C. Milne et al.
Annals of Neurology
Language:
English
Date:
Nov 2024
Ref #3
Source:
Hsin Fen Chien et al
Copyright © PubMed Central
Language:
English
Date:
Feb 2022
Ref #4
Source:
Eleonora Lacorte et al
Copyright © PubMed Central
Language:
English
Date:
Nov 2020
Ref #5
Source:
Jennifer L Keller, Amy J Bastian
Copyright © PubMed Central
Language:
English
Date:
Feb 2014