Improving reaching movements in people with cerebellar ataxia
Retraining Reaching in Cerebellar Ataxia
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
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 18 (estimated) |
| Ages | 22 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Hugo W. Moser Research Institute at Kennedy Krieger, Inc. Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Baltimore, Maryland) |
| Trial ID | NCT03879018 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 22-80 with cerebellar damage from stroke, tumor, or degeneration.
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.
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 performed: There have been a few small studies exploring training for arm ataxia, but this approach is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Baltimore, Maryland
- 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
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.