1. Robot-assisted therapy and botulinum toxin for upper limb ataxia: A case report
- Author
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G. Berto, Maria Grazia Benedetti, Sofia Straudi, Nino Basaglia, L. Lutzoni, and Calogero Foti
- Subjects
medicine.medical_specialty ,Rehabilitation ,Ataxia ,medicine.medical_treatment ,Upper limb ataxia ,ataxia ,Health Informatics ,Botulinum toxin ,Motor coordination ,NO ,Clinical trial ,robot-assisted therapy ,Physical medicine and rehabilitation ,medicine ,Physical therapy ,Intention tremor ,botulinum toxin ,medicine.symptom ,Assisted therapy ,Psychology ,medicine.drug - 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 upperlimb 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.
- Published
- 2014