Short-Term Effects of Neurophysiotherapy On Upper Limb Motility In A Person With Friedreich's Ataxia

: Introduciton: Friedreich's ataxia is a neuromuscular disease that belongs to chronic, degenerative and progressive diseases and causes severe functional impairment and consequent dependence of the patient on foreign help. The PNF concept has been successfully integrated into modern neurophysiotherapy, but its use in patients with Friedreich’s ataxia has not been investigated. Methods: In the case study, we used the mixed methods design, more precisely the convergence model of triangulation, and investigated the short-term effectiveness of a 4-month intensive neurophysiotherapy program (PNF, function-oriented exercise, principles of motor learning, etc.) on upper limb mobility in adult with Friedreich's ataxia. In the quantitative part of the case study, we performed a retrospective analysis of the quantitative data of the Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT). In the qualitative part of the case study, we conducted a semi-structured interview with the subject. Results: Based on the analysis of the results of the existing case study using the integration of quantitative and qualitative research paradigm in a patient with Friedrich's ataxia, we find that the mentioned neurophysiotherapy program using PNF techniques is short-term effective in improving upper limb functional capabilities in the quantitative part of the study assessed with the WMFT. Conclusions: Based on mixed methods we consequently gained a deeper insight into the subjective experience of the patient with Friedrich’s ataxia regarding the effectiveness of this neurophysiotherapy program (using PNF techniques) on upper limb function.