Physiotherapy for Spinocerebellar Ataxia: The best exercises to try

Spinocerebellar Ataxia is a rare neurodegenerative disease that impacts muscle control and mobility. While there is currently no cure, the best Spinocerebellar Ataxia treatment slows down disease progression and keeps the symptoms at bay, for longer. Many studies have demonstrated the efficacy of exercise and physiotherapy in remedying the symptoms of Spinocerebellar Ataxia, including unsteady gait, poor muscle tone, and difficulty with daily movements. Let’s take a closer look at why physiotherapy is an integral part of the best Spinocerebellar Ataxia treatment programs.

Understanding Spinocerebellar Ataxia

Spinocerebellar Ataxia, Spinocerebellar Atrophy, or Spinocerebellar Degeneration is a genetic disease caused by either a recessive or dominant gene. It refers to a group of ataxias that are known to be hereditary and cause harm to the cerebellum, the part of the brain which maintains balance and controls movements. Spinocerebellar Ataxia may result in non-coordinated gait, impaired hand-eye coordination, and abnormal speech. Because this condition affects the nervous system, it is also known as a nervous disorder. The best Spinocerebellar Ataxia treatment includes stem cell therapy as well as extensive neuro-rehabilitation, including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech and language therapy.

The best exercises for Spinocerebellar Ataxia

Depending on the degree of severity of the Spinocerebellar Ataxia, physiotherapy can be either compensatory or restorative in nature. Compensatory therapy focuses on supplementing the patient’s physical limitations with aids for movement, like crutches or orthotics, as well as movement retraining-- to give the patient maximum mobility in spite of the condition. Restorative therapy, as the name suggests, focuses on restoring functionality in the patient’s limbs and muscles. The end goal is to enable the patient to move the way they used to, as far as possible. The physiotherapist will chalk out a therapy plan based on the patient’s individual needs and abilities. Let’s take a look at what such a plan can consist of.

Exercises for balance

A focus on balance training is essential to improve gait, daily movement, and coordination. These exercises focus on core stability and strength and also help avoid falls. Treadmill training, with or without motor aids, is one component of this. Visually guided stepping is another good option, in which the patient learns to look around and identify a target foot placement spot before taking a step. This is particularly helpful in cluttered or crowded spaces to avoid falls.

Exercises for spasticity

Spasticity exercises focus on lengthening the muscle to reduce or avoid spasms and pain. These can include passive and active stretching, as well as strength-building exercises to work the antagonist muscles corresponding to the spastic ones. Splinting is another way to reposition the muscles correctly. For strength training, progressive increases in load and the number of repetitions will be beneficial for muscle gain. It is essential to start light and to stop immediately if there is any pain.

Aerobic exercise

At the end of the day, the focus is on getting the patient to stay active for as long as possible. Aerobic exercise has considerable benefits in terms of improving cardiovascular health, which promotes better overall health, and enhances mental wellbeing. The patient can experiment with different types of aerobic exercises, such as running, biking, swimming, boxing, and so on, to find exercises that they enjoy doing. It is important to maintain suitable form during all exercises and to take the necessary precautions to avoid injury. For instance, the patient may use a rail or other form of support to steady themselves.

Motor aids

For cases where the ataxia is more severe or as the symptoms progress in intensity, motor aids may become essential for the patient to move around. The doctor will recommend different crutches, canes, walkers, wheelchairs, and so on depending on the patient’s range of motion and ability to walk independently. As treatment continues and the patient improves, the doctor may alter these aids as necessary.

In someone with Spinocerebellar Ataxia, it is essential to help them regain as much muscle function as possible, both to avoid muscle wastage and to give them better range of motion. Physiotherapy has multiple benefits in this regard and is an indispensable component of the treatment process. By following a regular exercise regime and paying attention to their body’s needs, the patient can make significant improvements over time.

A highly regarded neurologist and stem cell specialist, Dr Na’eem Sadiq studied neurology and clinical neurophysiology in London before working with some of England’s and the Middle East’s most prestigious medical institutions. He completed his MBBS