Q20 A multidisciplinary intensive rehabilitation programme for persons with Huntington's disease: results after 1 year

Background Persons with Huntington9s disease (HD) may benefit from intensive rehabilitation. Aim To assess effects of an intensive, multidisciplinary rehabilitation programme in subjects with early to mid-stage HD. Methods 37 subjects completed a 1-year rehabilitation programme at two in-patient rehabilitation centres. The programme consisted of three stays, three weeks each, and a 5-day evaluation stay. Focus was on daily physical exercise, social activities and teaching sessions. Baseline characteristics: Mean age: 52.4 years; 51.4% women; mean TFC: 8.9; mean UHDRS motor score: 35.6; mean MMSE score: 25.4. Results Effects were observed in gait function, from baseline to the evaluation stay: 6 Minute Walk Test (6MWT): +71 m, p Conclusions A multidisciplinary intensive rehabilitation programme in persons with early and middle stage HD is associated with improved balance, gait function, physical quality of life and with reduced depression and anxiety. Longer follow up is needed to assess if these positive effects are sustained.