Exercises To Help Manage Ataxia

Exercises To Help Manage Ataxia

Understanding Spinocerebellar Ataxia

Spinocerebellar Ataxia is a rare disease that affects voluntary muscle movement.

It is a genetic disease caused by either a recessive or a dominant gene, and can cause harm to the cerebellum – the part of the brain which maintains balance and controls movement.

Symptoms include: ➔ Non-coordinated gait ➔ Impaired hand-eye coordination ➔ Abnormal speech.

Since this condition affects the nervous system, it is known as a nervous disorder.

Exercises For Spinocerebellar Ataxia

With lack of control over muscle movement, daily activities like picking up things, feeding oneself, or walking around are hindered.

Adaptive or assistive devices may help some of these activities.

Exercise is the best way to bring about long-term recovery of muscle function.

It can help to improve gait, enhance muscle function, and reduce the risk of falls.

Here are some recommended exercises: 1. Sit to stand: Builds lower body strength and improves mobility ➔ ➔ ➔ ➔

Sit on a chair with knees hip-width apart Your feet should be under your knees Gradually shift your upper body weight forward to your legs, and use your leg muscles to stand up Sit down again slowly and repeat this 10 times.

Exercises For Spinocerebellar Ataxia

2. Quadruped opposite arm and leg extension: Builds core stability and helps to reach for objects ➔ Kneel with your hands under your shoulders and your knees under your hips ➔ Raise one arm slowly till shoulder height, then raise the opposite leg to hip height, and balance ➔ Gradually pull your arm and leg back and repeat on the other side for 10 rounds 3. Sitting lateral weight shifts: Builds core stability ➔ ➔ ➔ ➔

Sit upright on an exercise ball with your knees hip-width apart Your feet should be under your knees Slowly move your upper body from side-to-side, allowing your trunk to shift and bear the weight Perform 10 repetitions

Exercises For Spinocerebellar Ataxia

4. Standing anterior-posterior weight shift: Improves balance ➔ ➔ ➔ ➔

Stand with your feet hip-width or wider apart Gradually, shift your body weight back and forth between your toes and heels Perform 10 repetitions Hold on to something for support, if necessary

5. Single leg stance: Improves balance and makes walking easier ➔ ➔ ➔ ➔

Stand upright and slowly shift your weight onto one leg, lifting the other leg off the ground Slowly lower the leg and do the same on the other side Perform 10 repetitions Try balancing on each leg for as long as possible

Exercises For Spinocerebellar Ataxia ➔ Exercise can help to improve gait, enhance muscle function, and reduce the risk of falls ➔ Home exercises should be performed at least three times a week, in sessions at least 20-30 minutes ➔ Aerobic exercises such as running, biking, or swimming can improve overall cardiovascular health and help maintain a healthy weight ➔ Perform all exercises with care and to stop if you feel any pain or discomfort

Treatment For Spinocerebellar Ataxia Treatment can slow the progression and give patients a fulfilling life.

Physical exercise, has several benefits in enhancing muscle control and is a crucial component of any Spinocerebellar Ataxia treatment program.

Thank you.