Effects of repetitive practice on motor learning and adaptability in foot position control for cerebellar ataxia

Cerebellar ataxia impairs motor coordination, leading to gait instability, irregular foot movements, and frequent falls. While studies have examined kinematic deficits in cerebellar patients, the potential for motor learning and transfer specific to foot position control is underexplored. This study aims to investigate the effects of lower-limb distance control practice on motor learning and generalization in patients with cerebellar disorders. Twelve individuals with cerebellar ataxia and 12 matched controls performed a foot-reaching task under controlled conditions. Participants practiced reaching three target distances without visual feedback. Kinematic data were collected using a motion tracking system, and performance was assessed during the practice, retention, and transfer phases. Statistical analyses evaluated learning effects and group differences. Both groups improved foot position control with practice, though cerebellar patients showed higher initial error rates. Retention tests confirmed learning, with reduced errors immediately and 24 h postpractice [ F(2,44) = 25.20, P < 0.01]. Transfer tests revealed significant improvements in novel distance tasks for cerebellar patients, but limited generalization to vertical distance conditions [ F(2,44) = 7.43, P < 0.01]. Repetitive foot position control practice promotes motor learning and partial generalization in cerebellar patients, indicating preserved neuroplasticity. These findings emphasize the importance of task-specific and variable training in rehabilitation programs to reduce fall risks and enhance functional mobility in this population.