Retraining of functional gait through the reduction of upper extremity weight-bearing in chronic cerebellar ataxia

Patients with chronic ataxia resulting from traumatic central nervous system (CNS) damage frequently attain a gait pattern dependent upon upper extremity weight-bearing (UEWB). Traditional attempts to train these patients may perpetuate UEWB dependency, by not allowing optimal facilitation of balance and associated movement control required for independent ambulation. In the present study an ambulation retraining approach designed to facilitate coordination and balance while minimizing UEWB was used. This approach can allow the patient to train outside of the clinic; only about 5% of the actual therapy hours involved a therapist.