Effectiveness of functional trunk training on trunk control and upper limb functions in patients with autosomal recessive hereditary ataxia

BACKGROUND: Ataxia is a clinical syndrome characterized by coordination problems and postural disorders. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the effects of functional trunk training on trunk control and upper limb functions in autosomal recessive hereditary ataxia. METHODS: Twenty patients were randomly divided into treatment and control groups. Both groups received trunk stabilization and balance exercises, and the treatment group received additional functional trunk training sessions (3 days/week for 8 weeks). The International Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale, Trunk Impairment Scale, Modified Functional Reach Test, Nine-Hole Peg Test and Quick-Disabilities of the Arm Shoulder and Hand questionnaire were used for assessments. RESULTS: The treatment group showed an increase in the upper limb performance bilaterally, whereas increased performance was seen only in the dominant upper limb in the control group. While the functional reach improved in the anterior-posterior (AP) and medial-lateral (ML) directions in the treatment group, it was improved only in the AP direction in the control group. Also, the mean changes in outcomes were not significantly different between the groups except for modified functional reach test. CONCLUSIONS: Functional trunk training may be a more effective method to improve upper limb performance and dynamic trunk balance in autosomal recessive hereditary ataxia.