Abstract des Autors

Autosomal dominant spinocerebellar ataxia (AD SCA) and Friedreich’s ataxia (FRDA) are neurodegenerative and neurometabolic disorders for which the progression of balance impairment and gait difficulties are typical. The pathogenesis of these disorders is different, but they are involved in both cerebellum on one hand and its connections on the other hand. Those are being progressively destructed. Until now, to cure the disorders no effective therapy has been found so far. Number of research reports points out, that the residual cerebellar intact tissue is able to cope with changes and to learn new or different motor abilities. That’s why the physiotherapy
and sport activities especially those that improve balance and motor coordination are
fundamental for the AD SCA and FRDA patients. To suggest the most efficient symptomatic therapy concept important for the active life extension of patients we need a good monitoring and evaluating tool in order to administer such a therapy.
For the evaluation of the daily activities of patients suffering from vestibular disorders is used Vestibular Disorders Activities of Daily Living Scale. For ataxic patients there is no similar scale. The Vestibular Disorders Activities of Daily Living Scale is used for patients with the impairment of balance and that’s why we suppose this would fit ataxic patients as well. The aim of our project is testing of this scale in patients with AD SCA and FRDA for therapy/physiotherapy monitoring through Posturography methods which has already been established as a valid diagnostic tool. Verf.-Referat