Article

Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is an atypical parkinsonism
clinically characterized by prominent axial extrapyramidal motor symptoms with
frequent falls. The clinical response to L-dopa is poor and there is strong need
for alternative treatment strategies. METHODS: We tested the efficacy of a
rehabilitative program combining a dynamic antigravity postural system (SPAD) and
a vibration sound system (ViSS) on postural instability of 10 patients affected
by PSP. The patients underwent SPAD and VISS treatments with a 3 sessions/week
schedule for 2 months. Patients were clinically examined at baseline, every week
during the 2-months treatment, and at 1 month after the end of treatment for the
following parameters: baropodometry static, baropodometry dynamic and
stabilometry. PSP rating scale and PD36 quality of life scale were also
administered. RESULTS: The combined rehabilitative program produced improvement
of all the parameters explored (p = 0.01-0.05) at the end of treatment as
compared to baseline. Baropodometric dynamics improvement lasted until the end of
follow-up. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that a specific rehabilitation program
could improve postural instability in PSP patients. A more continuous treatment
protocol would allow stabilizations of results.

Langue : ANGLAIS