Neurocognitive Therapeutic Exercise Integrated with Focal Mechanical Vibrations in a CANVAS Patient: A Case Report

Cerebellar Ataxia, Neuropathy and Bilateral Vestibular Areflexia Syndrome (CANVAS) is a progressive multisystem disorder characterized by cerebellar ataxia, sensory neuropathy and bilateral vestibular failure. Although intensive rehabilitation is commonly recommended, the actual effectiveness and the most appropriate physiotherapeutic strategy for CANVAS have not been clearly established. BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of an integrated rehabilitation program combining neurocognitive therapeutic exercise and focal muscle vibration (FMV) on clinical and instrumental measures of gait, balance and postural stability in a CANVAS patient. METHODS: A structured protocol consisting of neurocognitive therapeutic exercise and FMV was administered. Clinical measures included the Berg Balance Scale, Tinetti, SARA and SF-36. The instrumental evaluations included stabilometry and gait analysis. RESULTS: The intervention produced improvements in balance scores associated with a reduction in fall risk. Stabilometry revealed reduction in oscillation area. CONCLUSIONS: FMV combined with neurocognitive therapeutic exercise may promote clinical and biomechanical improvements in CANVAS.