Efficiency of a 3-week multicomponent rehabilitation on improving the function in a patient with Friedreich’s ataxia: A case report

Abstract

Introduction. Friedrich?s ataxia (FA) is an autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disease. Ataxia as the cardinal symptom affects the trunk, with swaying, imbalance and falls, and the limbs, with increasing difficulty in activities of daily living. Physical therapy has been recognised as a mean of managing physical symptoms and maximising function in affected persons. To our knowledge there are no studies that have evaluated the effectiveness of Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stabilization techniques in the rehabilitation of patients with this diagnosis. Case report. We present a case of a twentysix years old female with severe posture and limb ataxia, speech difficulties and poor walking ability. During the three-week rehabilitation, an individually tailored physical therapy program based on PNF stabilization techniques was applied. Conclusion. The implemented rehabilitation program resulted in an overall functional improvement. The reduction in ataxia was registered according to the Scale for the assessment and rating of ataxia (SARA). The Functional independece measure (FIM) instrument, component of locomotion, reveled greater independence in walking. A rehabilitation program based on PNF stabilisation techniques may reduce ataxia and improve walking ability in patients with FA.