Exercise for Spinocerebellar Ataxias
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores whether aerobic exercise can improve motor skills in people with spinocerebellar ataxia, a group of disorders affecting balance and coordination. Researchers aim to determine if aerobic exercise aids the brain, particularly the cerebellum, in adapting and enhancing motor learning. Participants will engage in either aerobic training on a stationary bike or balance exercises at home. Individuals diagnosed with spinocerebellar ataxia who can safely ride a stationary bike may be suitable for this study. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to contribute to understanding how exercise might benefit those with spinocerebellar ataxia.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
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.
Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?
Research shows that aerobic exercise is generally safe for people with cerebellar ataxia. In previous studies, participants did not experience serious problems from the exercise. For instance, one study with 31 participants reported no major issues, and over 70% adhered well to the exercise plan. Aerobic exercise has also been found to improve ataxia symptoms, reduce tiredness, and increase fitness levels.
Similarly, balance exercises have helped people with degenerative cerebellar disease by enhancing movement and balance. Research indicates that these exercises can safely improve balance and ataxia symptoms without causing serious side effects.
Overall, both aerobic and balance exercises are well-tolerated and have positive effects in similar conditions. However, it is important to follow guidance and report any concerns to healthcare providers when engaging in any exercise program.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about these treatments for spinocerebellar ataxias because they focus on non-drug approaches that enhance physical function directly through exercise. Unlike typical symptomatic treatments that might involve medications to manage symptoms, the aerobic and balance training programs are designed to improve the body's coordination and stability from within. The aerobic training uses a progressive intensity approach with a stationary bike, which can boost cardiovascular health and stamina. Meanwhile, balance training is customized and evolves with the participant's progress, targeting both static and dynamic balance skills. These innovative exercise protocols could lead to improved quality of life by directly addressing the physical challenges of spinocerebellar ataxias.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for spinocerebellar ataxias?
Research has shown that aerobic exercise, which participants in this trial may receive, can alleviate symptoms of cerebellar ataxia. One study found that performing aerobic exercises at home improved symptoms, reduced fatigue, and increased overall fitness. Another study indicated that aerobic exercise slightly outperformed circuit training in enhancing balance. Balance training, another option in this trial, can also help, though improvements are typically modest. Some evidence suggests it can aid in multitasking and balance. Both exercise types appear beneficial, but aerobic training might provide more significant advantages for those with cerebellar ataxia.13567
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for individuals with Spinocerebellar Ataxias and related conditions who can perform physical exercises. The study aims to understand if exercise can improve certain brain-related learning processes.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Baseline Assessment
Participants undergo baseline assessments including eyeblink conditioning using BlinkLab and other secondary outcome measures
Treatment
Participants are randomized to either home balance or aerobic training for 3 months, with weekly check-ins
Post-Treatment Assessment
Participants undergo post-treatment assessments including eyeblink conditioning and secondary outcome measures
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in eyeblink conditioning and ataxia symptoms
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Aerobic Training
- Balance Training
Trial Overview
The study tests whether aerobic training, compared to balance training, enhances a type of learning linked to the cerebellum in the brain. Participants will use an app called iBlink at home to measure outcomes.
How Is the Trial Designed?
Participants will be given a stationary exercise bike for home use. They will be instructed to use the exercise bike five times a week for thirty-minute sessions. The exercise intensity prescription will be based on the subject's VO2max determined on pre-test day. The exercise program will start at 60% of intensity per session, and then will be increased by steps of 5% intensity every 2 sessions until participants reach 30 minutes of training at 80% intensity. Participants will be contacted weekly by e-mail or phone to answer any questions about the exercise protocol and will be instructed to log each training session. Participants will record duration of exercise, perceived exertion, average heart rate, maximum heart rate, and distance.
A physical therapist will tailor a home balance training program for each participant based on pre- training capabilities. Participants will be asked to perform exercises five times a week for thirty-minute sessions. Both dynamic and static exercises will be performed in sitting and standing positions. Exercises will start with stabilizing in a challenging static position and progress to dynamic arm and leg movements in the same or modified position. Participants will be contacted weekly by e-mail or phone to answer any questions about the exercise protocol and will be required to log their exercise effort in terms of frequency and level of balance challenge.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Columbia University
Lead Sponsor
Published Research Related to This Trial
Citations
Home Aerobic Training for Cerebellar Degenerative ...
This 6-month trial comparing home aerobic versus balance training in cerebellar ataxia had excellent retention and adherence to training.
Effects of physiotherapy on degenerative cerebellar ataxia
The results of this systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrated that physiotherapy significantly reduces ataxia symptoms with no adverse ...
Home Training for Cerebellar Ataxias
Conclusions and Relevance In this randomized clinical trial, home high-intensity aerobic training improved ataxia symptoms, fatigue, and aerobic ...
Priming Motor Learning Through Exercise in People With ...
Patient reported outcome measure for people with ataxia. The test was developed to assess 3 domains (physical, activities of daily living, mental health) and 14 ...
A Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing the Effectiveness ...
The aerobic intervention was found only marginally superior to the circuit training, while both were helpful for improving balance in ataxia.
Aerobic Exercise, Balance Training, and Ataxia
The main objective of this project will be to compare the benefits of aerobic versus balance training in DCD. The investigators hypothesize that both aerobic ...
Phase I randomized single-blinded controlled study ...
No serious adverse events were recorded. A statistically significant improvement in ataxia severity, balance, fitness, and gait were seen with four weeks of ...
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