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Paparella G, Stragà C, Vavla M, Pesenti N, Merotto V, Martorel GA, Zalunardo S, Armellin M, Comiotto J, Martinuzzi A. Effectiveness of rehabilitation intervention in persons with Friedreich ataxia. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1270296. [PMID: 38020600 PMCID: PMC10653317 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1270296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The relevance of rehabilitation in progressive neurological disorders, such as Friedreich's Ataxia (FRDA), has yet to be convincingly proven. FRDA is characterized by ataxia, loss of gait, scoliosis, cardiomyopathy, dysarthria and dysphagia, with reduced life expectancy. The disease onset is usually in adolescence, leading to progressive disability. Omaveloxolone has been recently approved as the first pharmacological treatment for FRDA in adults and adolescents aged 16 years and older. Regarding non-pharmacological therapies, neurorehabilitation is a valuable aid in addressing the symptoms and in maintaining the residual functioning. We performed a prospective observational cohort study to evaluate the efficacy of inpatient rehabilitation (IR) for people with FRDA. Methods A total of 42 individuals (29 adults and 13 children) with FRDA were recruited. There were 27 ambulant and 15 non-ambulant participants. The patients underwent IR of 3 and 4 weeks in children and adults, respectively. The IR treatment was designed to be applied within a multidisciplinary setting, so FRDA patients underwent, in addition to physiotherapy, also occupational therapy, practical manual activities and psychological support aiming to enhance transferable skills useful in the activities of daily living. The primary outcome was the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA). Other measures were: Friedreich Ataxia Rating Scale (FARS) and Nine Hole Peg Test (NHPT). Furthermore, we used the 6 Minute Walk Test (6MWT), the Timed Up and Go (TUG) and the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) only on ambulant subjects. Outcomes were evaluated at baseline and at the end of the treatment. Results We report that the IR significantly improves motor performance and ataxia symptoms in patients with FRDA. Our study shows significant functional improvement in all the outcome measures used, except for NHPT bilaterally. FARS and SARA scores post-IR are significatively reduced when compared (p < 0.001). Discussion We demonstrate that IR programs in FRDA can provide a meaningful clinical improvement in terms of outcome measures. These findings could be useful when approaching progressive neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella Paparella
- Department of Conegliano, Scientific Institute, IRCCS E. Medea, Treviso, Italy
| | - Cristina Stragà
- Department of Conegliano, Scientific Institute, IRCCS E. Medea, Treviso, Italy
| | - Marinela Vavla
- Paediatric Neurology and Neurophysiology Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, University Hospital of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Vasco Merotto
- Department of Conegliano, Scientific Institute, IRCCS E. Medea, Treviso, Italy
| | - Gian A. Martorel
- Department of Conegliano, Scientific Institute, IRCCS E. Medea, Treviso, Italy
| | - Sara Zalunardo
- Department of Conegliano, Scientific Institute, IRCCS E. Medea, Treviso, Italy
| | - Maria Armellin
- Department of Conegliano, Scientific Institute, IRCCS E. Medea, Treviso, Italy
| | - Jimmy Comiotto
- Associazione Brain odv – Altavilla Vicentina, Vicenza, Italy
| | - Andrea Martinuzzi
- Department of Conegliano, Scientific Institute, IRCCS E. Medea, Treviso, Italy
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Srushti Sudhir C, Sharath HV. A Brief Overview of Recent Pediatric Physical Therapy Practices and Their Importance. Cureus 2023; 15:e47863. [PMID: 38021539 PMCID: PMC10680406 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.47863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent years have seen a substantial increase in interest in pediatric physical therapy, which is a reflection of improvements in its methods and the rising understanding of its significance in child development and rehabilitation. This review provides a concise overview of the latest trends and techniques in pediatric physical therapy, emphasizing the integration of innovative technologies, evidence-based interventions, and holistic approaches. For children with varied developmental, congenital, and acquired disorders, the significance of early intervention and individualized treatment programs is emphasized, underlining the important influence of prompt interventions on long-term functional results and quality of life. To guarantee comprehensive and coordinated care, the study also examines the interdisciplinary character of pediatric physical therapy placing special emphasis on collaboration with families, caregivers, educators, and healthcare professionals. It also emphasizes the importance of continuing research, instruction, and lobbying to improve the effectiveness and availability of pediatric physical therapy services, eventually promoting the overall well-being of kids and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chavan Srushti Sudhir
- Department of Paedatric Physiotherapy, Ravi Nair Physiotherapy College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education & Research (Deemed to be University), Wardha, IND
| | - H V Sharath
- Department of Paediatric Physiotherapy, Ravi Nair Physiotherapy College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education & Research (Deemed to be University), Wardha, IND
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Milne SC, Roberts M, Ross HL, Robinson A, Grove K, Modderman G, Williams S, Chua J, Grootendorst AC, Massey L, Szmulewicz DJ, Delatycki MB, Corben LA. Interrater Reliability of the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia, Berg Balance Scale, and Functional Independence Measure Motor Domain in Individuals With Hereditary Cerebellar Ataxia. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2023; 104:1646-1651. [PMID: 37268274 DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2023.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the interrater reliability of the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and motor domain of the FIM (m-FIM) administered by physiotherapists in individuals with a hereditary cerebellar ataxia (HCA). DESIGN Participants were assessed by 1 of 4 physiotherapists. Assessments were video-recorded and the remaining 3 physiotherapists scored the scales for each participant. Raters were blinded to each other's scores. SETTING Assessments were administered at 3 clinical locations in separate states in Australia. PARTICIPANTS Twenty-one individuals (mean age=47.63 years; SD=18.42; 13 male and 8 female) living in the community with an HCA were recruited (N=21). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Total and single-item scores of the SARA, BBS, and m-FIM were examined. The m-FIM was conducted by interview. RESULTS Intraclass coefficients (2,1) for the total scores of the m-FIM (0.92; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.85-0.96), SARA (0.92; 95% CI, 0.86-0.96), and BBS (0.99; 95% CI, 0.98-0.99) indicated excellent interrater reliability. However, there was inconsistent agreement with the individual items, with SARA item 5 (right side) and item 7 (both sides) demonstrating poor interrater reliability and items 1 and 2 demonstrating excellent reliability. CONCLUSIONS The m-FIM (by interview), SARA, and BBS have excellent interrater reliability for use when assessing individuals with an HCA. Physiotherapists could be considered for administration of the SARA in clinical trials. However, further work is required to improve the agreement of the single-item scores and to examine the other psychometric properties of these scales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah C Milne
- Bruce Lefroy Centre for Genetic Health Research, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Australia; Physiotherapy Department, Monash Health, Cheltenham, Australia; School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Monash University, Frankston, Australia; Department of Pediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia.
| | - Melissa Roberts
- Bruce Lefroy Centre for Genetic Health Research, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Australia; Physiotherapy Department, Monash Health, Cheltenham, Australia
| | - Hannah L Ross
- Physiotherapy Department, Monash Health, Cheltenham, Australia
| | | | - Kristen Grove
- Physiotherapy Department, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Nedlands, Australia; Physiotherapy Department, Royal Perth Hospital, Perth, Australia
| | - Gabrielle Modderman
- Rehabilitation Services, Royal Darwin and Palmerston Regional Hospital, Darwin, Australia
| | - Shannon Williams
- Physiotherapy Department, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Nedlands, Australia; Physiotherapy Department, Royal Perth Hospital, Perth, Australia
| | | | | | - Libby Massey
- MJD Foundation, Darwin, Australia; College of Public Health Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
| | - David J Szmulewicz
- Balance Disorders & Ataxia Service, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, Australia; Monash Medical Centre, Monash Health, Clayton, Australia; The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Australia
| | - Martin B Delatycki
- Bruce Lefroy Centre for Genetic Health Research, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Australia; Department of Pediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia; Victorian Clinical Genetics Services, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Louise A Corben
- Bruce Lefroy Centre for Genetic Health Research, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Australia; Department of Pediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia; Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
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Bremova-Ertl T, Hofmann J, Stucki J, Vossenkaul A, Gautschi M. Inborn Errors of Metabolism with Ataxia: Current and Future Treatment Options. Cells 2023; 12:2314. [PMID: 37759536 PMCID: PMC10527548 DOI: 10.3390/cells12182314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
A number of hereditary ataxias are caused by inborn errors of metabolism (IEM), most of which are highly heterogeneous in their clinical presentation. Prompt diagnosis is important because disease-specific therapies may be available. In this review, we offer a comprehensive overview of metabolic ataxias summarized by disease, highlighting novel clinical trials and emerging therapies with a particular emphasis on first-in-human gene therapies. We present disease-specific treatments if they exist and review the current evidence for symptomatic treatments of these highly heterogeneous diseases (where cerebellar ataxia is part of their phenotype) that aim to improve the disease burden and enhance quality of life. In general, a multimodal and holistic approach to the treatment of cerebellar ataxia, irrespective of etiology, is necessary to offer the best medical care. Physical therapy and speech and occupational therapy are obligatory. Genetic counseling is essential for making informed decisions about family planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana Bremova-Ertl
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Bern (Inselspital) and University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland; (J.H.); (J.S.)
- Center for Rare Diseases, University Hospital Bern (Inselspital) and University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jan Hofmann
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Bern (Inselspital) and University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland; (J.H.); (J.S.)
| | - Janine Stucki
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Bern (Inselspital) and University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland; (J.H.); (J.S.)
| | - Anja Vossenkaul
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Paediatrics, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland; (A.V.); (M.G.)
| | - Matthias Gautschi
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Paediatrics, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland; (A.V.); (M.G.)
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
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Recessive cerebellar and afferent ataxias - clinical challenges and future directions. Nat Rev Neurol 2022; 18:257-272. [PMID: 35332317 DOI: 10.1038/s41582-022-00634-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cerebellar and afferent ataxias present with a characteristic gait disorder that reflects cerebellar motor dysfunction and sensory loss. These disorders are a diagnostic challenge for clinicians because of the large number of acquired and inherited diseases that cause cerebellar and sensory neuron damage. Among such conditions that are recessively inherited, Friedreich ataxia and RFC1-associated cerebellar ataxia, neuropathy, vestibular areflexia syndrome (CANVAS) include the characteristic clinical, neuropathological and imaging features of ganglionopathies, a distinctive non-length-dependent type of sensory involvement. In this Review, we discuss the typical and atypical phenotypes of Friedreich ataxia and CANVAS, along with the features of other recessive ataxias that present with a ganglionopathy or polyneuropathy, with an emphasis on recently described clinical features, natural history and genotype-phenotype correlations. We review the main developments in understanding the complex pathology that affects the sensory neurons and cerebellum, which seem to be most vulnerable to disorders that affect mitochondrial function and DNA repair mechanisms. Finally, we discuss disease-modifying therapeutic advances in Friedreich ataxia, highlighting the most promising candidate molecules and lessons learned from previous clinical trials.
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Romano A, Favetta M, Summa S, Schirinzi T, Bertini ES, Castelli E, Vasco G, Petrarca M. Upper Body Physical Rehabilitation for Children with Ataxia through IMU-Based Exergame. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11041065. [PMID: 35207341 PMCID: PMC8876617 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11041065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Children with ataxia experience balance and movement coordination difficulties and needs intensive physical intervention to maintain functional abilities and counteract the disorder. Exergaming represents a valuable strategy to provide engaging physical intervention to children with ataxia, sustaining their motivation to perform the intervention. This paper aims to describe the effect of a home-conducted exergame-based exercise training for upper body movements control of children with ataxia on their ataxic symptoms, walking ability, and hand dexterity. Methods: Eighteen children with ataxia were randomly divided into intervention and control groups. Participants in the intervention group were asked to follow a 12-week motor activity program at home using the Niurion® exergame. Blind assessments of participants’ ataxic symptoms, dominant and non-dominant hand dexterity, and walking ability were conducted. Results: On average, the participants performed the intervention for 61.5% of the expected time. At the end of the training, participants in the intervention group showed improved hand dexterity that worsened in the control group. Conclusion: The presented exergame enhanced the participants’ hand dexterity. However, there is a need for exergames capable of maintaining a high level of players’ motivation in playing. It is advisable to plan a mixed intervention to take care of the multiple aspects of the disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Romano
- Movement Analysis and Robotics Laboratory (MAR Lab), Intensive Neurorehabilitation and Robotics Department, “Bambino Gesù” Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00050 Rome, Italy; (A.R.); (M.F.); (E.C.); (G.V.); (M.P.)
| | - Martina Favetta
- Movement Analysis and Robotics Laboratory (MAR Lab), Intensive Neurorehabilitation and Robotics Department, “Bambino Gesù” Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00050 Rome, Italy; (A.R.); (M.F.); (E.C.); (G.V.); (M.P.)
| | - Susanna Summa
- Movement Analysis and Robotics Laboratory (MAR Lab), Intensive Neurorehabilitation and Robotics Department, “Bambino Gesù” Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00050 Rome, Italy; (A.R.); (M.F.); (E.C.); (G.V.); (M.P.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Tommaso Schirinzi
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Enrico Silvio Bertini
- Unit of Neuromuscolar and Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Neurosciences, “Bambino Gesù” Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00146 Rome, Italy;
| | - Enrico Castelli
- Movement Analysis and Robotics Laboratory (MAR Lab), Intensive Neurorehabilitation and Robotics Department, “Bambino Gesù” Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00050 Rome, Italy; (A.R.); (M.F.); (E.C.); (G.V.); (M.P.)
| | - Gessica Vasco
- Movement Analysis and Robotics Laboratory (MAR Lab), Intensive Neurorehabilitation and Robotics Department, “Bambino Gesù” Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00050 Rome, Italy; (A.R.); (M.F.); (E.C.); (G.V.); (M.P.)
| | - Maurizio Petrarca
- Movement Analysis and Robotics Laboratory (MAR Lab), Intensive Neurorehabilitation and Robotics Department, “Bambino Gesù” Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00050 Rome, Italy; (A.R.); (M.F.); (E.C.); (G.V.); (M.P.)
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Borbolla-Jiménez FV, Del Prado-Audelo ML, Cisneros B, Caballero-Florán IH, Leyva-Gómez G, Magaña JJ. New Perspectives of Gene Therapy on Polyglutamine Spinocerebellar Ataxias: From Molecular Targets to Novel Nanovectors. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:1018. [PMID: 34371710 PMCID: PMC8309146 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13071018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Seven of the most frequent spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) are caused by a pathological expansion of a cytosine, adenine and guanine (CAG) trinucleotide repeat located in exonic regions of unrelated genes, which in turn leads to the synthesis of polyglutamine (polyQ) proteins. PolyQ proteins are prone to aggregate and form intracellular inclusions, which alter diverse cellular pathways, including transcriptional regulation, protein clearance, calcium homeostasis and apoptosis, ultimately leading to neurodegeneration. At present, treatment for SCAs is limited to symptomatic intervention, and there is no therapeutic approach to prevent or reverse disease progression. This review provides a compilation of the experimental advances obtained in cell-based and animal models toward the development of gene therapy strategies against polyQ SCAs, providing a discussion of their potential application in clinical trials. In the second part, we describe the promising potential of nanotechnology developments to treat polyQ SCA diseases. We describe, in detail, how the design of nanoparticle (NP) systems with different physicochemical and functionalization characteristics has been approached, in order to determine their ability to evade the immune system response and to enhance brain delivery of molecular tools. In the final part of this review, the imminent application of NP-based strategies in clinical trials for the treatment of polyQ SCA diseases is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiola V. Borbolla-Jiménez
- Laboratorio de Medicina Genómica, Departamento de Genética, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación-Luis Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra, Ciudad de México 14389, Mexico;
- Programa de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico
| | - María Luisa Del Prado-Audelo
- Departamento de Bioingeniería, Escuela de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Tecnológico de Monterrey Campus Ciudad de México, Ciudad de México 14380, Mexico;
| | - Bulmaro Cisneros
- Departamento de Genética y Biología Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional (CINVESTAV), Ciudad de México 07360, Mexico;
| | - Isaac H. Caballero-Florán
- Departamento de Farmacia, Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico;
- Departamento de Farmacia, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional (CINVESTAV), Ciudad de México 07360, Mexico
| | - Gerardo Leyva-Gómez
- Departamento de Farmacia, Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico;
| | - Jonathan J. Magaña
- Laboratorio de Medicina Genómica, Departamento de Genética, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación-Luis Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra, Ciudad de México 14389, Mexico;
- Departamento de Bioingeniería, Escuela de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Tecnológico de Monterrey Campus Ciudad de México, Ciudad de México 14380, Mexico;
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