Affiliations: [a] Neuroscience and Rehabilitation Department, Ferrara University Hospital, Ferrara, Italy | [b] Doctoral Program in Advanced Sciences and Technologies in Rehabilitation Medicine and Sports, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy | [c] Department of Neurological, Neuropsychological, Morphological and Movement Science, University of Verona, Verona, Italy | [d] Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department, Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
Correspondence:
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Corresponding author: Sofia Straudi, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department, Ferrara University Hospital, Via della Fiera, 44100 Ferrara, Italy. Tel.: +39 0532 238721; Fax: +39 0532 238703; E-mail: s.straudi@ospfe.it.
Abstract: Background:Upper limb ataxia is one of the most common motor disorders associated with cerebellar damage and it might lead to motor impairment and disability. Objective:In this study, a subject with disabling upper limb ataxia and intention tremor underwent a six weeks intervention of robot-assisted training combined with Botulinum Toxin Type A (BTX-A). Methods:Robot-assisted therapy which includes repetitive, goal-directed reaching movements was administered after upper-limb BTX-A injections. Improvements in arm coordination and motor performance were assessed throughout a kinematic analysis and an activity daily living – based questionnaire. Results:After this six weeks training program all spatio-temporal parameters were improved with no additional functional gains. Conclusions:The positive effects on motor coordination in our subject might help to design clinical trials that combine BTX-A injections and robot-assisted therapy in order to improve upper-limb coordination in subjects with ataxia. Furthermore, if exercises focused on ADLs will be included, they might help to regain a functional use of the arm.
