Download Progressive Supranuclear Palsy

Progressive Supranuclear Palsy
Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) is a brain disorder that causes a gradual decline in balance and
walking, vision, speech, and other cognitive changes including memory, personality and mood. PSP
progresses slowly with symptoms worsening over time. Early symptoms include loss of balance while
walking, which can lead to falls. Early cognitive changes include changes in personality. As the disease
progresses other symptoms that develop include blurry vision and difficulty controlling eye movement.
Individuals also develop slurred speech and difficulty swallowing. Individuals may also have tremor like
symptoms similar to Parkinson’s disease (PD) which PSP is sometimes misdiagnosed as. Symptoms differ
amongst individuals and progression of the disorder will also vary. There is no cure for PSP and
treatment will be dependent on symptoms. Treatment may include Parkinson medications, botulinum
injections, special glasses, gait aids, exercises, and feeding tubes.
Exercise is one component of treatment for PSP. A case study looked at the long term effects of an
exercise and locomotor training program on an individual with PSP 1. After two and a half years the
individual demonstrated improvement in some aspects of balance, slower decline of ambulation
including the expected progression to dependency on a wheelchair, and a decrease in falls 1. The
exercise program included an intensive stretching and strengthening protocol and the locomotor
training was performed on a treadmill 1.
There is no research looking at the effect of Whole Body Vibration (WBV) on individuals with PSP. WBV
has been evaluated in individuals with PD. A systematic review which included six studies found that
WBV (frequencies varied) led to improvements in tremors and rigidity when compared to no
intervention 2. Another two studies in the review showed no better sensorimotor outcomes than the
conventional treatments they were compared with 2. The conclusions from the review include the need
for higher quality research to prove the effectiveness of WBV in improving sensorimotor function in
individuals with PD 2. Although some symptoms in individuals with PSP have similarities to PD it cannot
be assumed that the use of WBV will result in the same outcome. Due to the progressive nature of the
disease, it is essential that an individual with PSP get clearance from a physician before using WBV. The
individual’s physician can help to determine if the benefits to using WBV outweigh any potential risk or
contraindications given his/her specific symptoms.
If a physician clears an individual with PSP to use WBV it should be initiated at a reduced intensity and
duration. This is so an individual can become accustomed to the machine and monitor for any changes
in symptoms. It is also important that WBV is done under the supervision of a health care professional
especially if an individual shows any signs of impairment in his/her balance. Individuals with balance
impairments have a greater risk of falling when using WBV and trying to mount or dismount the
platform. If any symptoms arise or become worse while using the platform it should be discontinued
and the new symptoms should be discussed with a physician. If symptoms improve or remain the same,
the intensity and duration can be increased and exercise added at the appropriate level of fitness. In
THIS IS FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. WE DO NOT PRESCRIBE OR DIAGNOSE. PLEASE CONSULT YOUR
HEALTH PROVIDER.
25 Curity Avenue, Unit 2A, Toronto, ON M4B 3M2
416-285-6055 fax 416-285-8918
[email protected] www.t-zonevibration.com
-2general, if an individual experiences any pain, dizziness, or shortness of breath while using the platform
it should be discontinued.
References
1. Steffen TM, Boeve BF, Mollinger-Riemann LA, Petersen CM. 2007. Long-term locomotor training
for gait and balance in a patient with mixed progressive supranuclear palsy and corticobasal
degeneration, Physical Therapy, 87(8), 1078-87.
2. Lau RW, Teo T, Yu F, Chung RC, Pang MY. 2011. Effects of whole-body vibration on sensorimotor
performance in people with Parkinson disease: a systematic review, 91(2), 198-209.
Various models and machines on the market have been used for the purpose of conducting research. Also, a
variety of frequencies (speeds) and amplitudes (platform variation) which may or may not be known to us have
been used. We do not guarantee or claim users will achieve similar results with our T-Zone Whole Body Vibration
machines.
THIS IS FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. WE DO NOT PRESCRIBE OR DIAGNOSE. PLEASE CONSULT YOUR
HEALTH PROVIDER.
25 Curity Avenue, Unit 2A, Toronto, ON M4B 3M2
416-285-6055 fax 416-285-8918
[email protected] www.t-zonevibration.com