SELF-MANAGEMENT IN THE TREATMENT OF ATAXIA - A CASE-STUDY IN REDUCINGATAXIC TREMOR THROUGH RELAXATION AND BIOFEEDBACK

This study examined the effects of relaxation training and biofeedback on the ataxic tremor of an adult with an acquired brain injury. The p articipant was taught relaxation techniques before biofeedback was int roduced. Once he was proficient in relaxation, these skills were used as a foundation for biofeedback training. Specific skills crucial to t he performance of activities of daily living were trained once the par ticipant was able to control the appropriate musculature according to an individualized criterion level. These skills included eating and th e transfer of liquids in a glass. The results demonstrated that the pa rticipant learned to decrease the amount of tremor that he experienced . As a result he was better able to feed himself and to drink from a g lass with less staff assistance than he had previously required.