Objective: This study evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of the Engage intervention in people with degenerative cerebellar disorders (DCD).

Background: Physical activity (PA) can be a powerful neuroprotective tool for people with neurodegenerative diseases; however, rehabilitation programs often fail to address strategies to increase long-term PA. The Engage intervention is a PA coaching program shown to increase exercise self-efficacy and PA uptake in people with Huntington disease and Parkinson disease.

Method: Engage-Ataxia was a single-cohort intervention consisting of five physical therapist-delivered telehealth PA coaching sessions over 12-weeks, with assessments pre- and post-intervention. The intervention was grounded in self-determination theory and incorporated individualized exercise recommendations, goal setting, and strategies to overcome exercise barriers. Participants received a wearable PA monitor and disease-specific workbook.

Results: 34 people with DCD were screened and 25 (11M:14F) were enrolled (73.5% recruitment rate); 22 completed the post-assessments (retention 88%) and attended all 5 intervention sessions (adherence 100%). Post-intervention interviews revealed the program was highly acceptable. Medium-large effects sizes were found for the modified Scale for Assessment and Rating of Ataxia, Cerebellar Cognitive Affective Syndrome Scale, the Timed Up and Go Test, exercise identity, balance confidence, and patient specific goals. Small-medium effect sizes were found for, Exercise Self-Efficacy, and self-reported PA.

Conclusion: Engage-Ataxia is a low-dose behavior change intervention that was feasible and acceptable for people with DCD. The intervention has potential to improve disease specific and exercise related outcomes.  Future studies should include evaluation of longer-term benefit and comparison with a control group.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/feasibility-and-preliminary-efficacy-of-a-pilot-telehealth-physical-activity-intervention-in-degenerative-cerebellar-disease-engage-ataxia/