EFFECTIVENESS OF EXERGAMES TREATMENT IN PATIENTS WITH CEREBELLAR ATAXIA

Abstract

 Introduction: there is no treatment for ataxia. The aim of this study is to examine the effectiveness of the usual treatment in isolation and combined with exergames. Material and method: It is a prospective randomized clinical trial in which 11 patients used both treatments and 10 the usual treatment only, consisting of a Frenkel exercises program. The results were evaluated using the SARA scale before and after treatment and during a follow-up period, 1, 3 and 6 months after completing the treatment. Results: every patient studied improved significantly and those who performed the experimental treatment showed better absolute results. After 6 months they continued presenting a more remarkable improvement, exceeding in more than half a point to that obtained in the control group. Although these differences were not significant, it was possibly due to methodological limitations and sample size. Conclusions: rehabilitation is a fundamental tool for the reduction of symptoms and stabilization of patients with progressive cerebellar ataxia. Frenkel exercises are effective and virtual reality systems can be supportive, but more research is needed to support this.