Effects of High Intensity Stepping Training on Gait in Patients With Ataxia

Effects of High Intensity Stepping Training on Gait in Patients With Ataxia

The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of high intensity stepping training on gait recovery, including walking speed and endurance, in patients with cerebellar ataxia. The hypothesis is that there will be a significant improvement in gait outcome measures (6 Minute Walk Test and 10 Meter Walk Test) in patients who receive high-intensity stepping training during physical therapy.

Inclusion Criteria:

• diagnosis of ataxia
• admitted to The Institute for Rehabilitation and Research (TIRR) Texas Medical Center (TMC) Inpatient or TIRR Kirby Glenn Outpatient
• pathology that primarily affects the brain/cerebellum, including degenerative diseases, stroke, traumatic brain injury (TBI), posterior fossa tumor, and multiple sclerosis (MS)
• ambulatory at initial evaluation or will have functional ambulation goals at initial evaluation (as noted by 10 meter walk test and 6 minute walk test measures documented as 0)
• chronicity of injury will be of at least 1 month or greater

Exclusion Criteria:

• diagnoses that may have cerebellar involvement but without cerebellar ataxia as a principal impairment such as autism, down syndrome, schizophrenia, etc
• non ambulatory or who are not able to participate in high intensity stepping training due to cardiac involvement (such as cardiac rehabilitation parameters) or due to orthopedic limitations (such as weight bearing parameters)