Exercise Training Program for Cerebellar Ataxia

The cerebellum is important for coordination of movement and for motor learning. No medications systematically improve cerebellar ataxia, and little is known about the effectiveness of rehabilitation exercises, which are often the only treatment option. Here, we ask whether a person’s ability to adapt (i.e. short term motor learning) predicts their ability to benefit from physical therapy exercises. The proposed pilot-clinical trial will test a subject’s adaptive ability during walking and then any improvement of walking and balance over a 13 week time period during which they participate in a specialized home exercise training program. Our prediction is that those individuals with some preserved adaptive ability will be the best rehabilitation candidates.