Reaching against gravity: motor control strategies in Friedreich and Stroke Patients.

Friedreich ataxia is a progressive, autosomal recessive, degenerative disorder affecting multiple systems. The clinical features are progressive ataxia, weakness, spasticity and sensory symptoms. Upper-extremity movements against gravity are soon compromised and, consequently, the patient's autonomy is significantly reduced. Impaired joint torque production is reported in the literature both in cerebellar and stroke patients and is considered a prominent cause of inability to perform activities of daily living [1], [2]. In this study the biomechanics of the reaching movement against gravity is analyzed and the different motor control and compensatory strategies of Friedreich and stroke patients are compared.