Physical Activity Coaching for Ataxia

(EngageAtaxia Trial)

Overseen By Chelsea E Macpherson, PT, DPT, NCS

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Phase 1

Sponsor: Teachers College, Columbia University

Disqualifiers: Stroke, Cardiac, Pulmonary, Metabolic, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 5

Duration: 12 weeks

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores how one-on-one physical activity coaching might assist individuals with early-stage cerebellar ataxia, a condition affecting balance and coordination. Participants will engage in up to five online sessions with a therapist to increase their exercise and physical activity levels. Each session provides personalized support and exercise plans to better manage the condition. The study seeks individuals recently diagnosed with cerebellar ataxia who can move independently and are not already exercising vigorously most days. As a Phase 1 trial, the research focuses on understanding how the treatment works in people, offering participants the opportunity to be among the first to receive this innovative coaching approach.

Do I have to stop taking my current medications for the trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

What prior data suggests that this physical activity coaching is safe for individuals with cerebellar ataxia?

Research has shown that physical activity coaching is generally safe for people with cerebellar ataxia. In past studies, participants handled these coaching programs well. For instance, one study using telehealth for physical activity coaching found it practical and safe for people with degenerative cerebellar ataxia, with no major problems reported.

Moreover, specially designed physical activity programs have been linked to positive health benefits for people with ataxia. These programs encourage an active lifestyle, which helps manage symptoms. While specific information on negative effects is limited, the program's nature suggests it is low risk, as it mainly involves exercise guidance and support. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about physical activity coaching for ataxia because it offers a personalized approach that differs from standard treatments like medication and physical therapy. This method leverages telehealth to provide individualized coaching sessions, making it accessible and convenient for participants. The focus on setting specific, measurable goals and using tools like exercise logs or activity monitors helps participants track progress and stay motivated. By tailoring exercises to each individual's needs, this approach aims to increase overall physical activity and improve balance and strength, potentially leading to better outcomes for people with ataxia.

What evidence suggests that physical activity coaching is effective for cerebellar ataxia?

Research has shown that coaching can help people exercise more, even if they have health issues. A review of 27 studies found that coaching helped older adults become more active. In another study, participants rated their coaching experience highly, with an average score of 8 out of 10. This suggests that coaching can improve exercise habits. Although specific data on cerebellar ataxia is lacking, this trial will explore the potential of physical activity coaching to help people with this condition become more active. ^{1 6 7 8 9}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for individuals with early-stage cerebellar ataxia who can walk indoors and outdoors without help or devices. They should have a SARA score of 8-25, indicating mild to moderate disease, and must be cleared medically to exercise.

Inclusion Criteria

Medical clearance to exercise

My ataxia is in the mild to moderate stage, with a SARA score between 8-25.

I have been cleared by my doctor to participate in physical activities.

Exclusion Criteria

I have a condition that could affect my ability to exercise.

Currently do moderate-vigorous exercise 5 days a week or more

I have a neurological condition like a stroke.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive up to five one-on-one coaching sessions delivered via telehealth to facilitate and optimize exercise uptake

12 weeks

5 visits (virtual)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Physical activity coaching

Trial Overview The study tests a physical activity coaching program delivered via Zoom by therapists. Participants will receive up to five one-on-one sessions aimed at increasing their physical activity as part of managing their condition.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Physical Activity Coaching Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants will receive up to 5 individualized coaching sessions delivered via telehealth to facilitate and optimize exercise uptake. The therapist will facilitate discussion on specific and measurable goals, and will provide options for tracking their progress, such as written or web-based exercise logs or an activity monitor. The recommended exercises will be individualized to each participant but will primarily focus on increasing general physical activity (e.g. steps per day) as well as engagement in moderate intensity aerobic exercise a minimum of three times per week. Balance and strengthening exercises will also be recommended as appropriate.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Teachers College, Columbia University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

27

Recruited

6,100+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10982628/

Effect of a coaching intervention to enhance physical activity ... Participants perceived the intervention programme to be beneficial with an overall rating of 8 out of 10 (SD 1.63). Intervention participants rated their ...

2. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S183695532400002X

Health coaching improves physical activity, disability and ... A systematic review of 27 randomised trials found that health coaching increased physical activity in people aged ≥ 60 years. There is evidence supporting the ...

3. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK487697/

SUMMARY AND DISCUSSION - The Effectiveness of Health ... This suggests that health coaching is weakly potent on physical activity. Similarly, we found that health coaching produced 0.52 decrease in BMI. While ...

4. hsrd.research.va.gov hsrd.research.va.gov/publications/esp/health-coaching.pdf

The Effectiveness of Health Coaching Conclusions: These results suggest that health coaching interventions have the potential to produce small, positive, statistically significant effects on HbA1c ...

5. clinicaltrial.be clinicaltrial.be/en/details/1014?per_page=20&recruiting=1&enrolling_by_invitation=1&active_not_recruiting=1&not_yet_recruiting=0&completed=0&only_recruiting=0&only_eligible=0

Promoting Physical Activity Engagement for People With Ea... The primary objective of this program is to increase physical activity and exercise engagement in individuals with early stage cerebellar ataxia ...

6. jamanetwork.com jamanetwork.com/journals/neu/fullarticle/10.1001/jamaneurol.2025.3421?utm_campaign=articlePDF%26utm_medium=articlePDFlink%26utm_source=articlePDF%26utm_content=jamaneurol.2025.3421

Home Training for Cerebellar Ataxias: A Randomized ... This randomized clinical trial compares home high-intensity aerobic training to home balance training for improvements of ataxia symptoms ...

7. researchgate.net researchgate.net/publication/391599112_Feasibility_of_a_Telehealth_Physical_Activity_Coaching_Intervention_for_Degenerative_Cerebellar_Ataxia

Feasibility of a Telehealth Physical Activity Coaching ... ResultsTraining activity data were successfully obtained in 98% of the training ... ataxia, gait ability, and activity of daily living is ...

8. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10543624/

Physical Activity and Fitness Levels of Individuals with Ataxia Lower fitness levels were associated with more ataxia symptoms in the sedentary group. This relationship was not seen in individuals who were more active.

9. intechopen.com intechopen.com/chapters/87179

Adapted Physical Activity and Ataxia According to the results of other studies, adapted physical exercise and ataxia are associated with positive health outcomes that support an active lifestyle.