Exercise & Physiotherapy Resources

Regular and tailored exercise is a vital component of managing Friedreich's Ataxia. Below you will find expert-guided resources for individuals with FA and for the personal trainers who support them. These guides have been developed to provide safe and effective strategies for strength, balance, and overall wellness.

Guidelines for Personal Trainers working with clients with Friedreich's Ataxia

Use these if you’re providing exercise or physiotherapy services to someone with FA. In conjunction with the full guidelines, here’s what you need to know:

    • Areas to Prioritise for Exercise: Flexibility, Muscle strength, Posture, Balance, Manage spasticity, Functional movements, and Fatigue management.

    • General Exercise Guidelines: Include the recommendations for twice-weekly strengthening and balance sessions, 150 minutes of weekly aerobic exercise, and daily stretching.

    • Precautions: List the warnings about avoiding over-fatigue, building up slowly, seeking GP clearance for hydrotherapy, and monitoring posture.

    • Regular Standing: Explain the benefits and importance of daily standing for those who are no longer walking.

    • Posture: Detail the importance of core strengthening, trunk mobility, and the use of a binder.

    • Aerobic Exercise: Note the advice to keep it gentle and regular, use interval training, and suggest options like cycling and seated circuits.

    • Strengthening: Cover targeting hips and shoulders, using closed-chain exercises, and prioritizing functional movements.

    • Stretching: List the priority muscles for both mobile individuals and wheelchair users.

    • Focus Areas: Maintaining range in ankles/hamstrings/hip flexors and focusing on core strength.

    • Technique: Include the step-by-step breakdown of the sit-to-stand technique, from sitting at the edge of the chair to standing and sitting with control.

    • List the tips for enhancing training, such as watching the movement, using a mirror, and avoiding over-fatigue.

    • Provide the links to the Frenkel's coordination exercises on YouTube for both upper and lower limbs.

Download the guidelines for people with FA
 

Evidence-Based Exercise Guidelines for Inherited Ataxia

This is a more general guide for people with all forms of ataxia.

    • Strength Training: Use of resistance exercises for major muscle groups, using low weights with higher reps, 2-3 times per week.

    • Aerobic Exercise: Low-impact activities like walking, cycling, or swimming for 20-30 minutes, 3-5 times per week at a moderate intensity.

    • Balance and Coordination: Exercises like single-leg stands, heel-to-toe walking, and ball tosses, performed 2-3 times per week.

    • Flexibility and Stretching: Static stretching for major muscle groups, holding each stretch for 15-30 seconds daily or at least 3-4 times per week.

    • Functional Training: Practice of real-life tasks like sit-to-stand and step-ups, performed 2-3 times per week.

    • Safety and Adaptions: Use supportive equipment, adapting exercises, and ensuring a safe environment.

    • Multidisciplinary Approach: It’s important to work with physiotherapists and occupational therapists.

    • Research: Studies show a combination of training can improve motor function and that consulting with healthcare providers is crucial.

Download the guidelines for people with ataxia

Thank you to Rope Neuro Rehabilitation and cann Charitable Trust for providing these guides.

Disclaimer

These resources are provided for general information only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your GP, physiotherapist, or another qualified health professional before making changes. We accept no responsibility for any outcomes resulting from use of this material.