1- Human Performance & Rehabilitation Laboratory, Department of Physiotherapy, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Lamia, Greece.
Abstract: (1434 Views)
Objectives: Cerebellar infarction is an ischemic or hemorrhagic type episode involving the three main cerebellar arteries. An infarction in each of these arteries causes different but common symptoms, requiring a particularly important contribution of physiotherapy to its treatment. This overview aimed to investigate the effectiveness of physiotherapy programs on the symptoms of patients with cerebellar infarction.
Methods: A literature search was performed using eight databases and the keywords, including physiotherapy, physical therapy, rehabilitation, therapeutic exercise, exercise, cerebellar infarct, cerebellar infarction, and cerebellar blockage. The selection process of the final studies was carried out after setting inclusion and exclusion criteria and separately by two reviewers.
Results: Out of 1477 initial records, six studies met the inclusion criteria for this overview. Interventions focused on a balance training program and walking training, as opposed to a treadmill training program, seem to improve symptoms in these patients. Also, task-oriented approach was a promising method of rehabilitation.
Discussion: Physiotherapy has a beneficial effect on the symptoms of patients with cerebellar infarction and should be considered for the overall recovery of the patient. However, future research is needed due to the small number of studies and to find therapeutically proven forms of intervention.
Coresponding author: Georgios Marios Kyriakatis, E-mail: georgemarioskiriakatis2000@gmail.com
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• Cerebellar infarcts account for 2-3% of all strokes.
• Balance exercises and gait training reduce the symptoms of these patients.
• The task-oriented approach can also be effective.
Plain Language Summary
The cerebellum is located inside the skull and behind the brain. It is mainly responsible for the balance and normal movement of the human body. It is also vascularized by the three main arteries that are blocked; thus, the blockage of blood flow inside the vessel is called a cerebellar infarction. The main treatment options are medical operations and drug therapy. However, physical therapy can help these patients function, and this review examines the effectiveness of physical therapy programs on the symptoms of these patients. More specifically, a program based on progressive balance exercises and specific muscle exercises was found to reduce patients’ symptoms, as opposed to a treadmill exercise program. In addition, an individual program with the correct use of the principles and techniques of physiotherapy, depending on the severity of the injury and functional level, leads to the improvement of the patient’s condition. This overview of existing studies is extremely important as it summarizes for the first time all the research data available on the subject, providing the necessary information for the management of these patients.
Article type:
Reviews |
Subject:
Physiotherapy Received: 2022/12/22 | Accepted: 2023/03/14 | Published: 2023/09/6