Balance exercises

[albion]

My main problem with my Ataxia is my poor balance. So i was looking for a regime of balance exercises i could incorporate in my daily exercise workout.

Any recommendations ?

[Hidden]

Hello Albion

I am at the very early stages of SCA6 onset but decide 9 months ago to try and improve my overall fitness - got those middle aged wobbly bits! I started by seeing a trainer at the local gym to get me going. He has helped me to improve my muscle fitness and core strength using some of the weight machines, gym balls and hand held weights. There are some things, particularly lunges that i topple over on but I find it good to push myself. I am hoping this will stand me in good stead as things progress. I occasionally read information about ' muscle memory' don't know if anyone else has? Apparently your muscles can remember how to work for longer if you keep them exercised? Pilates is also very good for core strength, which assists with balance, maybe that would be a good place to start?

Hope that helps! Have a happy day!

[LOVELY_1]

Yes Pilates is good. Try standing on one leg and standing with one foot in front of the other but please hold on to something in case you fall. The brain does remember eventually after some practice. You could ask your GP to refer you to a physio for an assessment and don't take no for an answer as I've heard from some people that some GPs can try to you put off. Take care

[Willowpuss]

Hi

I to have ataxia and over the years have done several balance courses run by my local cottage hospital physiotherapy department (6weeks each),I g can certainly recommend them.

Best Wishes.

[neta]

Walk alot. Run (if you can). Read aloud alot. Sing. Walk on uneven stones.Do anything-even laundry. Walk on the beach (if you can). Rest and relax too. Good luck!

[grumpygranny]

Yoga exercises are good - slow, gentle, can be done lying on floor etc. Look up on net.. pick the ones that suit you??

[PeteW]

I can't run or do regular exercises but I find just sitting on a GYM ball a BRILLIANT workout!

[february]

Dear Albion, I bought a book online called "The Balance Manuel". I live in the States and it cost $20. It was written by a physical therapist. I also stand at the ledge between my family room and kitchen, in case I need to grab on if I start to fall. I lift one foot and balance on the other leg for as many seconds as I can, and then switch feet. My neurologist said there's been successful studies in rodent brains that show they can make new neural pathways, to compensate for the atrophied ones. Although no human studies, he thinks this is significant! He said the key to this is to keep challenging yourself. In other words, keep upping the seconds when standing on one foot, etc. I also put food cans, of different heights (3 or 4) and tap them with one foot and then the other. Like others, do yoga and pilates, as well as walk on uneven ground with my trekking poles (as a rule, I normally use a cane for stability). Just keep moving and be as active as you can be, safely, of course! I live by the words, if you don't use it, you lose it...,ha! My best to you..., ;o)

[PGTX in reply to february]

I live in the states too. I am trying to find exercises I can do for balance also.

[Ginger1]

I find that swimming is great for me and helps with my balance. It is a good overall exercise as it's non-weight bearing. I saw a physiotherapist and went in the Hydropool and I do the exercises given when I go in the 'big' pool each week. I also recommend Pilates but hold on if your wobbly. You don't want to injure yourself.

[february]

Dear PGTX, Please see my response to Albion above. Also Google, "exercises for balance". ;o)

[Katilea]

I found wii fit great. It has a set of games specifically FOR balance. It also has yoga and muscle exercises. It maybe harder to get hold of now especially if you don't have the original console either cos there's a newer wii fit U and wii U console out. I'm not sure what the games are like on that one.

I also have passive training bike, it stops muscles wasting and has reduced involuntary movements as I have Ataxia/Dystonia mixed. My condition had been progressing since onset but has stabilised since doing the passive training (or Forced Exercise) regime.

My arms are less shaky so I can hold crutches and my balance improved so can manage a few steps on them.

[Hidden]

I just found a product that seems legit and my help with my wife's balance and ataxia from recent strokes. PT is helping her greatly, and this looks pretty interesting also. There are a few references on this site, but thought I'd share. I'm still exploring, so no recommendation.

motiontherapeutics.com/