Efeitos da reabilitação fisioterapêutica em pacientes com ataxia cerebelar: revisão sistemática

Cerebellar ataxia is characterized by loss of motor coordination, postural instability and gait disorders resulting from cerebellar dysfunction and its connections, compromising functionality and quality of life. The objective of this study was to analyze, through a systematic literature review, the scientific evidence on the effects of physical therapy rehabilitation on balance, gait and functionality in individuals with cerebellar ataxia. Searches were performed in the SciELO, PubMed, PEDro and BVS databases, including articles published in the last ten years, in Portuguese, English and Spanish, addressing physical therapy practice in this population. Studies with a PEDro scale score below five were excluded, and all stages followed the PRISMA guidelines. The results showed that the most frequently described interventions included balance training, motor coordination exercises, muscle strengthening, gait training, proprioceptive exercises, aerobic conditioning and technological resources, such as virtual reality and biofeedback. Improvements in postural balance, gait speed and pattern, motor coordination and global functionality were observed, with gains in independence in activities of daily living and increased quality of life. Interventions combining different therapeutic modalities showed superior results compared to isolated approaches. It is concluded that physical therapy is a safe and effective strategy in the rehabilitation of cerebellar ataxia, although the heterogeneity of protocols and the variable methodological quality of the studies highlight the need for new randomized clinical trials with greater methodological rigor and standardized protocols.