Background Physiotherapy, including vibration-assisted therapy, has
been proven to be effective for patients with ataxic cerebral palsy.
Herewith, we studied the effect of a functional, goal-oriented interval
rehabilitation program, including vibration-assisted home-training on the
motor function of children with congenital ataxias.
Patients 45 children (mean age 7.7 years, SD 4.70) with ataxia, having
received a 6-month home-based side-alternating vibration-assisted therapy
combined with intensive, goal-oriented, functional rehabilitation intervals,
were included in the study, classified according to the progressive or
non-progressive ataxia character.
Method Retrospective analysis of the prospectively collected data of
the registry of the Cologne rehabilitation program “Auf die
Beine”. Motor abilities have been assessed prior to the intervention
(M0), after 6 months of home-training (M6) as well as in a follow-up 6
months later (M12). We performed a gait analysis, a 1-minute walking test
(1-MWT), and the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-66).
Results The GMFM-66 improvement (M6–M0 vs. M12–M6) was
statistically significant with median improvement of 2.4 points
(non-progressive) and 2.9 points (progressive) respectively, and clinically
relevant. The 1-MWT improvement was statistically significant and clinically
relevant for non-progressive ataxia.
Conclusion The intensive training, including vibration-assisted
therapy significantly improved the motor function of children with ataxia.
Six months later the skills were preserved in children with progressive
ataxia and could be further developed in non-progressive forms.