The Effect of Balance Training based on the Berg Balance Scale for the Balance Function in Patients with Cerebellar Ataxia

Objective: This paper aims to evaluate the effects of balance training on Berg balance scale on balance function in patients with cerebellar ataxia. Methods/Statistical analysis: A total of 21 patients with cerebellar ataxia were randomly assigned to the experimental group (n=14) for balance training based on Berg Balance Scale and to the control group (n=7) for therapeutic exercise based on neurodevelopmental treatment. Each patient received 14 treatment sessions of 30 minutes each. Patients were evaluated by physical therapist before and after treatment as well as 1-month post-treatment using the Berg balance scale and Timed up and go test. Findings: At the end of treatment, the experimental and control groups showed significant improvements in all outcome measures. Berg balance scale (BBS) group showed the better clinical outcomes for balance training compared to neurodevelopmental treatment(NDT) group and NDT-BBS group. Improvements/ Applications: Balance training based on berg balance scale can improve balance ability in patients with cerebellar ataxia. Keywords: Balance Training, Berg Balance Scale, Cerebellar Ataxia, Neurodevelopment Treatment, Physical Therapy, Rehabilitation