To focuses on the challenges faced by individuals with spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA), highlighting the major clinical sign of ataxia that affects their stability and ability to perform daily activities, thereby impacting their quality of life. It outlines the concept of neural plasticity, which is the brain's ability to adapt through changes in excitability, and notes that these changes are more enduring in the central nervous system (CNS) than in the peripheral nervous system (PNS). This adaptability, crucial for memory and motor learning, is compromised in SCA patients due to impaired brain areas and pathways. The summary further delves into motor learning, distinguishing between explicit and implicit learning, and points out that SCA patients exhibit deficiencies in procedural learning and cerebellar function. It also introduces the concept of priming as a preparatory mechanism that can enhance the effectiveness of physical therapy by modifying subsequent responses to stimuli. The document suggests that cycling, as an aerobic exercise, could prime the brain for improved blood flow and oxygenation, thereby supporting synaptic plasticity and the release of beneficial neurotrophic factors. Finally, the project aims to deepen the understanding of motor performance and learning mechanisms in SCA patients and apply these insights to clinical rehabilitation strategies.
Age range
20 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
Overall Response Time
Timeframe: Baseline, 2 weeks and 4 weeks
Overall Error Rate
Timeframe: Baseline, 2 weeks and 4 weeks
Motor Evoked Potentials (MEPs)
Timeframe: Baseline, 2 weeks and 4 weeks
Intracortical Facilitation (ICF)
Timeframe: Baseline, 2 weeks, and 4 weeks.
Intracortical Inhibition (ICI)
Timeframe: Baseline, 2 weeks, and 4 weeks.
Total Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA) Score
Timeframe: Baseline, 2 weeks, and 4 weeks.
Total Berg Balance Scale (BBS) Score
Timeframe: Baseline, 2 weeks, and 4 weeks.
Total Time to Complete the Time Up and Go test (TUG test)
Timeframe: Baseline, 2 weeks, and 4 weeks.
Walking Speed
Timeframe: Baseline, 2 weeks, and 4 weeks.
Step Length
Timeframe: Baseline, 2 weeks, and 4 weeks.
Step Time
Timeframe: Baseline, 2 weeks, and 4 weeks.