Article

The purpose of this case series is to describe changes in impairments and
activity limitations in three individuals with severe cerebellar ataxia from
traumatic brain injury (TBI) who participated in a long-term, multidimensional
physical therapy program. A secondary purpose is to document use of a climbing
wall for these persons. Each of the individuals had a TBI, severe ataxia and was
admitted to a transitional neuro-rehabilitation day treatment program. The first
person, a 22-year-old, was 6 years post injury and had 127 individual physical
therapy sessions over 12 months. The second person, a 16-year-old, was 5(1/2)
months post injury and had 187 individual therapy sessions over 19 months. The
third person, a 20-year-old, was 6 months post injury and had 89 individual
therapy sessions over 23 months. An integrative treatment approach was used, and
the individuals participated in activities to minimize ataxia and improve
mobility. Each of them made gains in coordination, balance, balance confidence,
endurance and mobility. The three individuals with cerebellar ataxia participated
in a long-term, individualized, multidimensional physical therapy treatment
program, and made improvements in all areas of impairment and activity
limitations. This study reinforces the need for long-term, multidimensional
physical therapy for individuals with ataxia.

Langue : ANGLAIS