Objective: Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has shown promise in improving motor functions in other movement disorders. This pilot study aimed to investigate the effects of cerebellar rTMS on balance in CA patients

Background: The cerebellum plays a key role not only in motor coordination but also in maintaining the body’s balance. Therefore, cerebellar ataxia (CA), which results from cerebellar damage, is a neurodegenerative disorder primarily characterized by severe balance impairment.

Method: Ten CA patients (4 males, mean age = 58 ± 9.07 years) received 50 Hz rTMS over the cerebellum for 7 minutes, for five consecutive days. Static balance was assessed using a balance trainer (BT4) at baseline (V0), immediately after 5 days of rTMS (V1), and at a 6-week follow-up (V2).

Results: The Friedman test revealed significant improvements in static balance at V1 compared to V0. Specifically, significant changes were observed in medial-lateral and anterior-posterior sway, particularly in anterior-posterior displacement (∆Y) and total displacement (∆d) during the eyes-open condition, and medial-lateral displacement (∆X) during the eyes-closed condition. These improvements were followed by a return to baseline at the 6-week follow-up.

Conclusion: High-frequency rTMS applied to the cerebellum can temporarily improve static balance control in patients with CA. These findings suggest rTMS may be a potential therapeutic tool, although further research is needed to optimize stimulation protocols for sustained effects.

« Back to 2026 International Congress

MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/repetitive-transcranial-magnetic-stimulation-improves-static-balance-control-in-cerebellar-ataxia/