How Did Rehabilitation Programme Affect Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Multiple System Atrophy? A Case Report

Abstract

Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder with various symptoms that propose impaired muscle performance and loss of balance. A male 65 year old complaining of fatigue easily and dizziness when doing activities. He had walking difculty and limb weakness. The 6-minute walk test (6MWT) showed impaired cardiorespiratory tness with shortened walking distance and reduced maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max: 5,39, METs: 1,54). Moreover, there was decreasing thorax expansion (2-1.5-2.5), and balance instability measured by lower Time Up and Go test (17) and Berg Balance test (49). Cardiorespiratory Rehabilitation programs focus on physical therapy (passive and active strengthening exercise, treadmill aerobic cardiorespiratory exercise) and home program exercises. Three months after therapy, there were signicant improvement in cardiorespiratory tness characterized by improving VO2max (VO2max 9.07, Mets 2.59), increased thoracic expansion (2-4-4) and improving balance stability (TUG 11 s) although overall BBS score was reduced (45).