Continued recovery in an adult with cerebellar ataxia

Background and purpose: The authors previously reported on the functional recovery of an adult with chronic, severe ataxia secondary to traumatic brain injury (TBI) after 28 sessions of trunk stabilization and locomotor training (LT). The purpose of this case report is to describe this individual's functional abilities 3.5 years after the intervention. Case description: Thirteen months post-TBI and not expected to be a functional ambulator, an adult male participated in a trunk stabilization and LT intervention. After the intervention, he continued to exercise in a hospital-based fitness program and received additional physical therapy. Evaluation of balance, gait, trunk performance, self-reported function, and quality of life was performed at 6 weeks (baseline), 1 year, and 3.5 years after completing the intervention. Outcomes: Balance, gait, and function improved. Resting left transverse abdominis thickness, measured using ultrasound imaging, increased as did left-side bridge and trunk flexion endurance. He increased community participation and expressed general satisfaction with his overall quality of life. Discussion and conclusion: In the 3.5 years after participation in an intervention of trunk stabilization and LT this adult became an independent limited community ambulator. Persons with severe ataxia secondary to TBI may continue to improve many years after injury.