The Effect of Cycling Training on the Reciprocal inhibition in individuals with Spinocerebellar Ataxia

• Main Authors: Wan Ting Huang, 黃婉婷
• Other Authors: Y. J. Chang
• Format: Others
• Published: 2009
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/50263508715356093288

碩士 === 長庚大學 === 復健科學研究所 === 97 === Background and Purpose: Progressive ataxia is a common symptom in individuals with Spinocerebellar ataxia. Ataxia might be related to the mal-modulation of the reciprocal inhibition which can modulate the balance of agonist and antagonist muscles.The alternated contraction training is commonly used for ataxia rehabilitation. Previous study showed that alternated contractions increased the strength of reciprocal inhibition in the individual without physical disability. It is not clear if the reciprocal inhibition in individual with ataxia can be modulated with alternated contraction using bicycle training. The first purpose of this study was to investigate the difference of reciprocal inhibition between individuals with spinocerebellar ataxia and healthy subjects. The second purpose was to investigate the effect of cycling training on the reciprocal inhibition in individuals with spinocerebellar ataxia. Methods: Twenty individuals withspinocerebellar ataxia and 20 age-matched healthy subjects were recruited. A conditioning stimulation was at the common peroneal nerve to induce the reciprocal inhibition of the soleus H reflex .The reciprocal inhibition was tested again after 15 minute cycling exercise. The subjects with SCA were randomly assigned to training and non-training groups. Subjects in the training group received four weeks of home cycling training program. The reciprocal inhibition and International cooperative ataxia rating scale(ICARS) were evaluated after four weeks. Results:The amount of reciprocal inhibition in SCA was less than healthy subjects .The inhibition strength increased after 15 minutes bicycle training in healthy subjects, but decreased in individuals with SCA. After four weeks of training, the inhibition strength decreased in training group at rest . And the strength of reciprocal inhibition increased after 15 minutes of bicycle exercise only in training group. The grade of ICARS in training group was improved significantly and especially improved in the subscale for balance test. Conclusion: Four weeks of bicycle training can normalize the modulation of reciprocal inhibition and improve the balance for individuals with SCA.