Actively Recruiting
Retraining Reaching in Cerebellar Ataxia
Led by Hugo W. Moser Research Institute at Kennedy Krieger, Inc. · Updated on 2025-09-05
18
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
4 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
H
Hugo W. Moser Research Institute at Kennedy Krieger, Inc.
Lead Sponsor
N
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Cerebellar ataxia causes movement coordination problems, leading to curved, shaky, and inaccurate reaching movements that affect daily activities like eating and dressing. This research aims to compare a reinforcement-based training method with standard practice to see which better improves reaching movements in people with ataxia. The study focuses on patients with cerebellar damage and explores longer-term training effects over weeks, addressing an area with limited prior research. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: reinforcement training or standard practice training. Both groups will train for 45 minutes per session, three times a week, over two weeks, then rest for two weeks before crossing over to the other training type. Training uses an Oculus Rift and Touch 3D headset, where participants reach for virtual targets 400 times per session. Motion sensors track arm movements during training to capture detailed data. Throughout the 12-week study, participants will be evaluated weekly for changes in hand path distance during reaching. Additional assessments include the International Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale (ICARS) and the Action Research Arm Test (ARAT) before and after training. Two follow-up visits will test retention of improvements. The study involves movement tracking, visual feedback, and regular monitoring to understand the effects of these training methods on arm coordination in cerebellar ataxia.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Retraining Reaching in Cerebellar Ataxia
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Cerebellar damage from stroke, tumor or degeneration
- Age 22-80
You will not qualify if you...
- 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
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 12 weeks
Participants undergo reach training with visual feedback using an Oculus Rift and Touch 3D headset. Training involves reaching to virtual targets with specific feedback types, completed over two training periods separated by a rest period.
3 training sessions per week for 45 minutes each over two weeks per training type, with a 2 week rest period between; total 12 weeks
Duration - 2 weeks
Participants return for retention testing to assess the effects of training after the treatment period ends.
2 visits for retention testing
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Motion Analysis Lab in the Kennedy Krieger Institute
Baltimore, Maryland, United States, 21205
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
A
Anthony J Gonzalez, BS
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
CROSSOVER
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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