Abstract
[Purpose] We performed outpatient rehabilitation for a patient with HTLV-I-associated myelopathy (HAM). Because HAM easily leads to disuse-induced muscle atrophy, we needed a home exercise that would be willingly continued. Accordingly, we divided home exercise into traditional muscle training and horse-riding machine exercise periods and compared the results. [Method] In an ABAB-type single case study, home exercise was performed on a horse-riding machine utilizing trunk in the operating period and lower limb muscle training in the base level measurement period. [Results] The assessment items of sitting lateral reach, functional reach and centre of gravity sway all showed improvement during the operating period. [Conclusion] An improvement in postural balance due to home exercise on the horse-riding machine was found, and improvements in the main objectives of exercise training, housework and supported walking, were also seen. In the case of rehabilitation for HAM patients, the establishment of home exercises compatible with the domestic environment surrounding the patient is very important. The results suggest that such exercises for patients with gradually progressive and intractable diseases of the nervous system, like HAM patients, can be expected to improve functionality.
