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Exercise for Spinocerebellar Ataxias

N/A

Waitlist Available

Research Sponsored by Columbia University

Eligibility Criteria Checklist

Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial

Must have

Ability to safely ride a stationary exercise bike

Diagnosed with spinocerebellar ataxia

Must not have

Heart disease

Cognitive impairment

Timeline

Screening 3 weeks

Treatment Varies

Follow Up 0, 3, and 4 months

Awards & highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

Summary

This trial aims to study how aerobic training affects eyeblink conditioning, which is a type of motor learning related to the cerebellum. The researchers will use a smartphone app called iBlink to test

Who is the study for?

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.

What is being tested?

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.

What are the potential side effects?

While specific side effects are not listed, typical risks may include muscle soreness or strain from physical activities like balance and aerobic exercises.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

You may be eligible if you check “Yes” for the criteria below

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I can safely use a stationary exercise bike.

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I have been diagnosed with spinocerebellar ataxia.

Exclusion Criteria

You may be eligible for the trial if you check “No” for criteria below:

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I have a heart condition.

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I have difficulty with memory or thinking clearly.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks3 visits

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~ 0, 3, and 4 months

Screening ~ 3 weeks

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~0, 3, and 4 months

This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and 0, 3, and 4 months for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Study objectives can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.

Primary study objectives

Conditioned Response (CR) Amplitude

Secondary study objectives

6-minute Walk Test (6MWT)

Balance Measures

Maximal Oxygen Consumption (VO2Max)

+3 more

Awards & Highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

All patients enrolled in this study will receive some form of active treatment.

Trial Design

2Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Active Control

Group I: Aerobic TrainingExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

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.

Group II: Balance TrainingActive Control1 Intervention

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.

Treatment

First Studied

Drug Approval Stage

How many patients have taken this drug

Aerobic Training

2024

N/A

~880

0 / 4Eligibility criteria met