Relationship between severity of Ataxia, Quality of life and Motor Recovery in Indian population with Spinocerebellar Ataxia

Background and Purpose: Spinocerebellar Ataxia (SCA) encompasses a group of neurodegenerative disorders characterized by progressive cerebellar ataxia. This study aims to explore the interrelationship between functional status, quality of life (QoL), and the severity of ataxia in Indian rural population with SCA patients. Methodology: The study was observational in nature with correlational effect.Six patients (aged 25–70) diagnosed with SCA, confirmed by molecular or genetic testing, participated. Inclusion criteria required a minimum SARA gait score of 2 and FIM transfer score of 4, indicating the ability to walk independently without assistive devices. Exclusion criteria included concomitant brain lesions, terminal chronic diseases, unstable medical conditions, pregnancy, significant cognitive impairments, recent major orthopedic surgery, and other movement disorders. Patients were assessed for QoL, severity of ataxia and functional status using SF-36 v2, SARA, and m-FIM scales respectively. The data were collected and computed in a systematic way and then analysed by using SPSSv-26. Results: Correlational analysis was done. The study found significant correlations between the severity of ataxia and both functional status and QoL. Higher SARA scores were associated with decreased functional independence and lower QoL scores. Conclusion: The findings underscore the critical impact of ataxia severity on functional independence and QoL in SCA patients. Addressing ataxia severity is essential for enhancing patient outcomes. Future research should focus on interventions aimed at reducing ataxia severity to improve functional status and QoL.