Training in Ataxia - Individuals With Degenerative Cerebellar Diseases
Cerebellar Ataxia
About this trial
This is an interventional treatment trial for Cerebellar Ataxia focused on measuring ataxia, cerebellar ataxia, exercise, training, rehabilitation
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
- Diagnosed with spinocerebellar ataxia
- Cerebellar atrophy on MRI
- Prevalence of ataxia on clinical exam
- Ability to safely ride a stationary exercise bike
Exclusion Criteria:
- Other neurologic conditions
- Heart disease
- Cognitive impairment
- Medical instability
Sites / Locations
- Columbia University Irving Medical CenterRecruiting
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Arm 2
Experimental
Active Comparator
Aerobic Training
Balance Training
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. Subjects 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. Subjects 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.