Improving reaching movements in people with cerebellar ataxia
Official title: Retraining Reaching in Cerebellar Ataxia
Run by Hugo W. Moser Research Institute at Kennedy Krieger, Inc. · NCT03879018 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new training method to see if it can help people with cerebellar ataxia improve their reaching movements better than standard therapy.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 22 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 18 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Hugo W. Moser Research Institute at Kennedy Krieger, Inc. Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Baltimore, Maryland) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | August 1, 2019 |
| Main results expected | December 1, 2026 |
| Study ends | January 1, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | July 1, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT03879018 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 22-80 with cerebellar damage from stroke, tumor, or degeneration.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with evidence of damage to areas outside the cerebellum, significant dementia, or conditions that interfere with task performance may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a reinforcement-based training approach compared to standard practice for enhancing reaching movements in individuals with cerebellar ataxia. The research focuses on individuals who experience movement coordination deficits due to cerebellar damage, which significantly impacts their daily activities. Participants will undergo reach training with visual feedback over several weeks to assess improvements in their motor patterns. The study seeks to fill a gap in rehabilitation research, as most existing studies have concentrated on balance and walking rather than arm ataxia.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved motor function and independence in daily activities for patients with cerebellar ataxia.
How similar studies have gone: There have been a few small studies exploring training for arm ataxia, but this approach is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Cerebellar damage from stroke, tumor or degeneration * Age 22-80 Exclusion Criteria: * Clinical or MRI evidence of damage to extracerebellar brain (e.g. multiple system atrophy) * Extrapyramidal symptoms, peripheral vestibular loss, or sensory neuropathy * Dementia ( Mini-Mental State exam \> 22) * Pain that interferes with the tasks * Vision loss that interferes with the tasks
Where it's running
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Motion Analysis Lab in the Kennedy Krieger Institute
Baltimore, Maryland, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Amy J Bastian, PhD, PT — Kennedy Krieger Institute and Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Anthony J Gonzalez, BS
- Email: agonza30@jhmi.edu
- Phone: 4439232716
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.