Home Training for Cerebellar Ataxias

Is home high-intensity aerobic training, defined as training 5 times/week at greater than 80% maximum heart rate, a safe way to reduce ataxia symptoms compared to home balance training in people with cerebellar ataxias?In this randomized clinical trial that included 62 individuals with various cerebellar ataxias, home high-intensity aerobic training appeared safe and effective in improving ataxia symptoms. Improvements in ataxia symptoms, fitness, fatigue, balance, and gait were maintained for individuals in the aerobic group who continued to hit training goals at 1 year, but trended back to baseline for those who did not.Home high-intensity aerobic training appears to be an effective and safe treatment option for individuals with cerebellar ataxias for ataxia symptoms, fatigue, and aerobic fitness; further investigation is warranted to establish methods to promote training adherence.

Corresponding Author: Scott Barbuto, MD, PhD, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Medical Center, Harkness Pavilion, 180 Fort Washington Ave, New York, NY 10032 (sb3779@cumc.columbia.edu).

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