Clinical trial No longer in our active list Interventional Ages 18 to 65

Respiratory training for patients with Friedreich's Ataxia

Official title: Impact of Respiratory Training in Swallowing and Respiratory Function in Patients With Friedreich's Ataxia

Run by University of Florida · NCT06539598 · Data updated 2026-05-14

This study is no longer in our active list. It may have stopped recruiting or finished. The details below are as of 2026-05-14 and are kept for reference. Check ClinicalTrials.gov for its current status, or see similar studies below.

This study is testing if a 12-week breathing exercise program can help improve lung function and quality of life for people with Friedreich's Ataxia.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
Enrollment8 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity of Florida
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Gainesville, Florida)
Trial IDNCT06539598 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are individuals with confirmed genetic testing for Friedreich's Ataxia who can perform pulmonary function testing.

Probably not a fit

Patients with recent antibiotic use, systemic corticosteroid prescriptions, or other significant medical conditions 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 interventional study focuses on patients diagnosed with Friedreich's Ataxia who will undergo a 12-week program of respiratory strength training. Participants will have two research visits, one at the beginning and one at the end of the training period, during which they will undergo various evaluations including swallowing assessments, pulmonary function tests, and surface electromyography. The aim is to assess the impact of respiratory training on their overall respiratory function and quality of life.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could improve respiratory function and quality of life for patients with Friedreich's Ataxia.

How similar studies have gone: While there may be limited studies specifically on respiratory training in Friedreich's Ataxia, similar approaches in other neuromuscular conditions have shown promise.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* confirmed genetic testing of Friedreich's Ataxia
* have an overall DIGEST score of 1 or higher based on FEES screening
* are able to perform pulmonary function testing

Exclusion Criteria:

* have been on antibiotics within 15 days prior to baseline screening.
* have been prescribed systemic corticosteroids or neuromuscular blocking agents within 15 days of the baseline screening
* have an allergy or contraindication to topical lidocaine or oxymetazoline
* have any other concurrent medical condition which, in the opinion of the investigators, would make the subject inappropriate to participate in testing or respiratory exercise

Where it's running

  • Clinical Research Center
    Gainesville, Florida, United States
    Recruiting

Study contacts

  • Principal investigator: Carmen Leon Astudillo, MD — University of Florida
  • Study coordinator: Mackenzi Coker, MS, CCC-SLP
  • Email: mcoker@peds.ufl.edu
  • Phone: 3522948754

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

  • Nomlabofusp by injection for Friedreich's Ataxia: efficacy and safety

    This study tests whether subcutaneous nomlabofusp helps adults and children with Friedreich's Ataxia compared with placebo.

    Recruiting at 3 sites Phase 3 Larimar Therapeutics, Inc. · Tampa, Florida and 3 other locations · NCT07778836

  • LX2006 Gene Therapy for Friedreich Ataxia Cardiomyopathy (FA-CM)

    A Phase 2 study tests LX2006 gene therapy in people with Friedreich ataxia who also have cardiomyopathy to see if it helps heart function and safety.

    Recruiting Phase 2 Lexeo Therapeutics · Tampa, Florida · NCT07721025

  • Nerve ultrasound in people with Friedreich ataxia

    This project uses routine peripheral nerve ultrasound to see if adults with genetically confirmed Friedreich ataxia have enlarged nerves.

    Recruiting Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice · Nice, Alpes Maritimes · NCT07508631

  • Omaveloxolone for swallowing problems in French people with Friedreich's ataxia

    This project will test whether omaveloxolone (SKYCLARYS) improves swallowing in French people aged 16 and older with genetically confirmed Friedreich's ataxia who have used the drug for at least six months.

    Recruiting Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice · Nice, Alpes Maritimes · NCT07013292

  • Testing DT-216P2 in patients with Friedreich's Ataxia

    This study is testing a new drug called DT-216P2 in adults with Friedreich's Ataxia to see how safe it is and how well it works in their bodies.

    Recruiting at 3 sites Phase 1/2 Design Therapeutics, Inc. · Sydney, New South Wales and 2 other locations · NCT06874010

  • Clinical course of cardiomyopathy in people with Friedreich ataxia

    This study follows people with Friedreich ataxia who have cardiomyopathy to see how their heart disease changes over time and to identify who may later be eligible for a gene therapy study.

    Recruiting at 18 sites Lexeo Therapeutics · La Jolla, California and 18 other locations · NCT06865482

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.