Article

The purpose of this study is to describe the effects of trunk stabilization
training and locomotor training (LT) using body-weight support on a treadmill
(BWST) and overground walking on balance, gait, self-reported function, and trunk
muscle performance in an adult with severe ataxia secondary to brain injury.
There are no studies on the effectiveness of these combined interventions in
persons with ataxia. The subject was a 23-year-old male who had a traumatic brain
injury 13 months prior. An A-B-A withdrawal single-system design was used.
Outcome measures were Berg Balance Test (BBT), timed unsupported stance,
Functional Ambulation Category (FAC), 10-meter walk test (10-MWT), Outpatient
Physical Therapy Improvement in Movement Assessment Log (OPTIMAL), transverse
abdominis (TrA) thickness, and isometric trunk endurance tests. Performance on
the BBT, timed unsupported stance, FAC, 10-MWT, and OPTIMAL each improved after
10 weeks of intervention. In additions, TrA symmetry at rest improved as did
right side-bridge endurance time. LT, using BWST and overground walking, and
trunk stabilization training may be effective in improving balance, gait,
function, and trunk performance in individuals with severe ataxia. Further
research with additional subjects is indicated.

Langue : ANGLAIS