Effect of ctDCS During Balance Training on Cerebellar Ataxia

Cerebellar ataxia is a neurologic symptom caused by damage or dysfunction in the cerebellum and its pathways that results in loss of coordination, balance and postural control. There is a high rate (93%) of fallings for this population that could limit daily life activities. Pharmacological interventions are not able to modify the balance, therefore, new approaches to rehabilitate must be studied. ctDCS is a non-invasive brain stimulation that seems to be a new and innovator technique to restore ataxia symptoms. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of ctDCS associated with balance training on cerebellar ataxia patients. A counterbalanced crossover, sham-controlled, triple blind trial will be performed. All subjects will receive the real and sham ctDCS associated to balance training. The anodal ctDCS (2 mA, 20 minutes) or sham (2mA, 30 seconds) will be applied during balance training at Biodex Balance System (BBS). The balance will be the primary outcome and will be evaluated through Posture Control at Biodex Balance System. Ataxia' severity and functional mobility will be the secondary outcomes and will be evaluated by the scale for the assessment and rating of ataxia (SARA) and 10 meters walking test, respectively.