Background Studies suggest that persons with Huntington's disease (HD) benefit from intensive rehabilitation.

Aims To assess preliminary results of a multidisciplinary rehabilitation programme on quality of life, cognitive and motor function.

Methods 12 patients with early and middle stage (stages I–III of the Shoulson and Fahn Rating Scale) HD underwent a 3 week rehabilitation programme of up to 8 h 5 days per week including cognitive training, speech, physical and occupational therapy, group discussions and lectures on topics such as nutrition. A family member participated during the first week of the programme. Inclusion criteria: mild or moderate grade of HD, age 18+ years, no severe psychiatric illness, none/slight reduction in cognitive function and full/mostly full independence in Active Daily Living functions.

Results Mean age was 48 years with an average of 6 years since symptom debut. Mean total functional capacity (TFC) score was 9 (not working and in need of light assistance i ADL function), mean Mini-Mental State Examination indicated a reduced general cognitive function (24 of 30) and mean Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale score of 9 showed slight depression. Mean on Activity Specific Confidence scale showed 81% confidence to maintain balance in different situations. All subjects showed improvement in gait (6 min walking test (mean change +31.42 m (p=0.03); 10 m walking test (mean change −0.80 s (p=0.02); stand up and go test (mean change −1.24 s (p=0.003)). Bergs Balance Scale showed significant improvement (mean change 2 points, p=0.03).

Conclusion A multidisciplinary intensive rehabilitation programme is associated with improved balance and walking function in persons in the early and middle stages of HD.