Ataxia is a neurologic disorder that affects people across all ages. People living with ataxia may experience problems including incoordination of movement, slurred speech, poor balance and gait abnormalities.
Neuromotor exercises and physical therapy focusing on coordination and balance has been shown to improve or halt the progression of functional decline and are the mainstay treatments for ataxia.
Persistent Ataxia usually results from damage to the part of your brain that controls muscle coordination (Cerebellum). Many conditions can cause Ataxia, including alcohol misuse, certain medications, Stroke, Tumors, Cerebral Palsy, Brain degeneration and Multiple Sclerosis. Inherited defective genes also can cause the condition.
ATAXIA can develop overtime or come on suddenly. A sign of a number of neurological disorders, Ataxia can cause-
This exercise focuses on segmental movement of lower extremities and will aid in bed mobility and transfers. Lie facing up with both knees bent, hip width apart and feet flat, arms can be positioned out wide away from the body. Slowly begin to let both knees rotate from one side to the other. Try to keep your upper body and back flat as your lower body parts/pivots from side to side. Perform this exercise slowly and smoothly for 10 repetitions.
This exercise will focus on lower extremity strength and stability. This will help in transitioning from the floor to standing. Start in an upright kneeling position with knees under hips and with arms at the side. Slowly and steadily move from a high kneeling position – hips straight body upright, to a low kneeling position – hips moving down to rest on heels. Slowly repeat moving from kneeling with hips on the heels to kneeling in an upright position. Use the strength of the hips and core to transition between three positions, perform 10 repetitions.
This exercise will focus on progressive core stability in a kneeling position. This will assist in reaching and balancing in a less stable position, start positioned in kneeling with hands under shoulders and knees under hips, spine is neutral. Slowly reach an arm forward to shoulder height, then begin to extend the opposite – side leg backward to hip height.
Balance for a moment before lowering both arm and legs to the ground. Repeat on the opposite side arm and leg. Perform this slow and steady without having the hips rock or the spine fall out of the neutral position. Attempt to complete 10 repetitions.
This exercise will focus on progressive core stability in a kneeling position. This will assist in reaching and balancing in a less stable position. Start positioned in kneeling with hands under shoulders and knees under hips, spine is neutral, slowly reach an arm forward to shoulder height, then begin to extend the opposite – side leg backwards to hip height. Balance for a moment before lowering both arm and leg to the ground. Repeat on the opposite side arm and leg. Perform this slow and steady without having the hips rock or the spine fall out of the neutral position. Attempt to complete 10 repetitions.
This exercise focuses on lower extremity strength and balance during functional sit to stand. Sitting in a chair, position feet under knees, about hip width apart, Position entire body in the front half of the chair and upright, begin to shift upper body weight forward over the legs, as weight is being transferred into the feet, push up into a standing position using the strength of the leg muscles. Return to sitting on the chair and repeat for 10 repetitions. Do this slow and steady, try not to use the arms for support.
This exercise will focus on core stability and balance in a seated position. Sitting upright on an exercise ball (more difficult) position the feet under knees and hip width apart and smoothly begin to move the upper body to the right and then to the left, allow the weight of the trunk to fully shift from side to side. Perform 10 repetitions.
This exercise focuses on static standing balance with narrow base of support. Standing upright position one foot in front of the other so the heel of the front foot is touching the toes of the back foot – as if standing on a tight rope. Try to stay steady in this position for increasing intervals of time e.g. 10 sec, 20 sec, 30sec, etc. Rest and repeat this with the other leg positioned in front, if extra support is needed hold onto a stable surface.
This exercise focuses on balance and is a precursor for side stepping and turning movements. In standing positions feet hip width apart or wider. Slowly begin to shift entire weight laterally – moving hips, trunk, head and shoulders – onto one foot. Continue this shifting movement from one side to the other, perform 10 repetitions.
This exercise focuses on balance and is a precursor for walking. In standing positions feet hip width apart or wider. Slowly begin to shift entire weight forward onto the toes and then shift entire weight backward into the heels. Continue this forward and backward shifting movements, perform 10 repetitions.
This exercise targets lower extremity strength, core control, and balance, this will aid in bending, reaching, and transfer task, start in standing with feet slightly wider than hip width apart. Begin to shift entire body weight backwards and laterally, shifting the hips and butt back towards one side – bending the knee on the weighted side while keeping the underweighted leg straight. Slowly straighten and shift back to the centre, returning to a standing position. Repeat by shifting laterally to the other side, Complete 10 total repetitions.
This exercise targets balance with a narrow base of support and is functionally related to walking and transfers (e.g. in and out of a tub, etc) Start by standing upright begin to shift weight onto one leg, lift the other off the ground without letting it rest against the standing leg. Try to balance on the standing leg for increasing intervals of time. Lower the lifted leg and repeat on the opposite side.
