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Updated: May 9, 2026
Computerized Dynamic Posturography for Postural Control Assessment in Patients with Intermittent Claudication
Published on: December 11, 2013
Combined rehabilitation program for postural instability in progressive supranuclear palsy
L Di Pancrazio1, R G Bellomo, R Franciotti
1Department of Human Movement, G. d'Annunzio University, Chieti, Italy.
Background:
Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is an atypical parkinsonism clinically characterized by prominent axial extrapyramidal motor symptoms with frequent falls. The clinical response to L-dopa is poor and there is strong need for alternative treatment strategies.
Methods:
We tested the efficacy of a rehabilitative program combining a dynamic antigravity postural system (SPAD) and a vibration sound system (ViSS) on postural instability of 10 patients affected by PSP. The patients underwent SPAD and VISS treatments with a 3 sessions/week schedule for 2 months. Patients were clinically examined at baseline, every week during the 2-months treatment, and at 1 month after the end of treatment for the following parameters: baropodometry static, baropodometry dynamic and stabilometry. PSP rating scale and PD36 quality of life scale were also administered.
Results:
The combined rehabilitative program produced improvement of all the parameters explored (p = 0.01-0.05) at the end of treatment as compared to baseline. Baropodometric dynamics improvement lasted until the end of follow-up.
Conclusion:
Our results suggest that a specific rehabilitation program could improve postural instability in PSP patients. A more continuous treatment protocol would allow stabilizations of results.
