Effects of physiotherapy on degenerative cerebellar ataxia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Matsugi A, Bando K, Kondo Y, Kikuchi Y, Miyata K, Hiramatsu Y, Yamanaka Y, Tanaka H, Okuda Y, Haruyama K and Yamasaki Y (2025) Effects of physiotherapy on degenerative cerebellar ataxia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front. Neurol. 15:1491142. doi: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1491142

Physical therapy, especially multi-aspect physical therapy such as muscle strengthening, coordination training, gait training, and ADL training, may reduce DCA symptoms. Further, balance and aerobic training can be added to the program. However, the estimated effect size may change in future studies because of the serious RoB, very low certainty of evidence, and high heterogeneity with SARA as the primary outcome. High-quality RCTs are required to establish evidence for the effectiveness of physical therapy in patients with DCA.

Poincaré plot analysis of ECG uncovers beneficial effects of omaveloxolone in a mouse model of Friedreich’s ataxia

Poincaré plot analysis of ECG uncovers beneficial effects of omaveloxolone in a mouse model of Friedreich’s ataxia, Figueroa, Francisco et al., Heart Rhythm, Volume 0, Issue 0. DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2024.12.041

Our study revealed significant electrical propagation disturbances and sexual dimorphism in FXN-cKO mice with severe cardiomyopathy. Poincaré plots identified irregularities in heart rhythm and ANS dysfunction. OMAV improved heart function by stabilizing early repolarization and reducing disparate arrhythmias. This work stresses sex-specific ECG interpretations and alternative mathematical approaches for drug testing in FA models.