What happened?
A 56-year-old man with clinically diagnosed spinocerebellar ataxia had a history of COVID-19 infection before symptom onset. The report examined physiotherapy-related changes using functional, biomechanical and patient-reported measures.
Clinical findings
- Assessment included the Timed Up and Go test, Romberg test and Dizziness Handicap Inventory.
- Baropodometric and stabilometric testing quantified plantar contact and centre-of-pressure behaviour.
Rehabilitation described in the report
- Thirty physiotherapy sessions focused on muscle strengthening, balance training and coordination exercises.
- Clinical measures were combined with baropodometric and stabilometric assessment.
Reported outcomes
- The patient reported less dizziness, and the Dizziness Handicap Inventory improved by nearly 50%, particularly in its physical domain.
- Some plantar contact and arch measures improved, but centre-of-pressure area and mean oscillation speed increased, suggesting worse postural stability; balance and mobility did not show clear perceived improvement.
Clinical lessons to consider
- Do not equate subjective symptom improvement with global functional recovery.
- In progressive ataxia, combine patient-reported outcomes with objective balance and mobility measures.
Limitations — what this case cannot tell us
- One patient cannot establish treatment effectiveness or a causal link between COVID-19 and ataxia.
- The mixed objective results caution against describing the programme as uniformly successful.
Original source
Luiz Humberto Figueiredo Monteiro, Isabela Natalia de Souza Rêgo, Ana Beatriz Souza da Conceição, Hugo Miranda de Souza Coroa, Brenno Ribeiro Braz, Suellen Alessandra Soares de Moraes. “Physiotherapy in Spinocerebellar Ataxia Following COVID-19: A Biomechanical and Biopsychosocial Case Report.” Physiotherapy Research International, 2026. DOI: 10.1002/pri.70122
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