Physical activity has long been praised for its ability to strengthen the body and improve overall health. Now, a new study is giving fresh hope to families affected by Friedreich’s ataxia (FA), a rare genetic disease that impacts coordination, muscle strength, and heart health. Researchers found that a structured exercise program significantly improved fitness levels in both children and adults living with FA, reinforcing the idea that movement can be a powerful tool in managing chronic neurological conditions.
The findings are especially important because people with FA often struggle with fatigue, weakness, and mobility challenges that can make exercise seem intimidating or even impossible. Yet the research showed that carefully supervised physical activity was not only safe but also beneficial for improving cardiopulmonary fitness — the body’s ability to deliver oxygen to muscles during activity.
Source of news: Friedreich’s Ataxia News
Published: May 12, 2026
Reported by: Michela Luciano, PhD
What Is Friedreich’s Ataxia (FA)?
Friedreich’s Ataxia is a rare inherited disease that damages the nervous system and affects movement. It is caused by mutations that reduce the production of frataxin, a protein essential for cellular energy production. Without enough frataxin, cells in energy-demanding tissues — especially nerves, muscles, and the heart — gradually deteriorate.
People living with FA often experience:
- Difficulty walking
- Poor coordination
- Muscle weakness
- Fatigue
- Speech problems
- Heart complications
- Reduced physical endurance
Symptoms usually begin in childhood or adolescence, although some cases appear later in adulthood. Over time, the disease can significantly impact independence and quality of life.
Because FA affects the muscles and nervous system, many patients become less active as symptoms progress. Unfortunately, inactivity can worsen weakness and reduce cardiovascular fitness even further, creating a difficult cycle.
That’s why researchers have increasingly focused on whether exercise could safely help patients maintain mobility and improve health outcomes.
The New Study: Exercise and Fitness in FA Patients
The recent clinical trial explored whether combining exercise with an energy-boosting supplement could improve physical fitness in children and adults with FA.
Researchers in the United States enrolled 66 participants diagnosed with FA in a 12-week study conducted between September 2020 and April 2025. Participants were divided into different groups:
- Exercise plus nicotinamide riboside supplementation
- Exercise without supplementation
- Placebo groups without structured exercise
The exercise program combined:
- Aerobic workouts
- Strength training
- Individualized fitness routines
The supplement used in the study, nicotinamide riboside, is known as an NAD+ precursor. NAD+ plays a critical role in energy production inside cells, leading scientists to wonder whether increasing NAD+ levels could support muscle function and exercise performance.
Key Findings of the Study
The biggest takeaway from the research was simple yet encouraging:
Exercise improved cardiopulmonary fitness in both kids and adults with FA.
Participants who followed the 12-week exercise program showed measurable improvements in their ability to use oxygen during physical activity. This indicates better endurance and cardiovascular performance.
Researchers also observed:
- Higher maximum exercise workloads
- Improved oxygen pulse
- Increased participation in physical activity
- Better engagement in leisure exercise
Importantly, the program was considered safe for participants.
However, the study also found that the supplement did not provide a clearly significant advantage over exercise alone. While the combination group improved, researchers could not definitively conclude that nicotinamide riboside added benefits beyond what exercise itself achieved.
That means the most powerful factor may simply be regular physical activity.
Why This Research Matters
For years, many families affected by FA worried that exercise might worsen symptoms or lead to injury. Fatigue and balance issues often discourage patients from staying active.
This study challenges those fears.
The findings suggest that supervised exercise can:
- Improve endurance
- Support cardiovascular health
- Encourage mobility
- Increase confidence in movement
- Enhance quality of life
Even more importantly, the study supports the growing belief that physical activity should be part of comprehensive FA care.
The researchers emphasized that longer-term studies are still needed, but the evidence already points toward exercise being a valuable management strategy for people living with FA.
Exercise and Rare Neurological Disorders
The benefits of exercise are not limited to FA alone. Across many neurological and chronic conditions, physical activity is increasingly recognized as a therapeutic tool.
Research has shown that exercise can help improve:
- Muscle strength
- Brain health
- Cardiovascular fitness
- Mental health
- Cognitive performance
- Balance and coordination
In recent years, scientists have also discovered links between physical activity and healthier brain aging.
One 2025 study found that adults who participated in regular aerobic exercise showed signs of “younger” brain structure compared to inactive individuals.
This growing body of evidence reinforces the idea that movement is medicine.
The Science Behind Exercise and Energy Production
To understand why exercise may help people with FA, it’s important to look at how the body produces energy.
FA disrupts mitochondrial function — the process cells use to generate energy. Since muscles and nerves require large amounts of energy, they are especially vulnerable.
Exercise helps stimulate several important biological processes:
- Increased oxygen delivery
- Improved mitochondrial efficiency
- Better blood circulation
- Enhanced muscle conditioning
- Greater cardiovascular capacity
Physical activity can also trigger the release of chemicals that support nerve health and muscle adaptation.
Even modest exercise routines can help the body become more efficient at using energy.
That’s why researchers believed combining exercise with NAD+ boosting supplements might further improve outcomes.
Although the supplement’s added benefit remains unclear, the exercise itself clearly produced positive effects.
Why Cardiopulmonary Fitness Matters
Cardiopulmonary fitness refers to how efficiently the heart, lungs, and muscles work together during physical activity.
In FA patients, cardiopulmonary fitness is often severely reduced. This can lead to:
- Faster exhaustion
- Difficulty walking
- Reduced stamina
- Increased dependence on mobility aids
Improving cardiopulmonary fitness may help patients maintain daily function longer.
Better oxygen use during activity can translate into practical improvements like:
- Walking farther
- Climbing stairs more easily
- Participating in recreational activities
- Reducing fatigue during everyday tasks
For children with FA, improved fitness may also support social participation and emotional well-being.
Exercise Benefits for Children
Exercise is especially important during childhood because it supports healthy development.
According to the World Health Organization, regular physical activity helps children improve:
- Physical fitness
- Bone health
- Motor development
- Mental health
- Cognitive performance
WHO also notes that active children are less likely to develop long-term health problems related to inactivity.
For children living with FA, movement can be even more valuable because it may help preserve strength and coordination during critical developmental years.
Mental Health Benefits of Exercise
Exercise does more than strengthen muscles.
Research increasingly shows that physical activity also supports emotional well-being and mental health.
People with chronic illnesses often experience:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Isolation
- Reduced confidence
Regular physical activity can help improve mood by stimulating endorphins and reducing stress hormones.
A 2026 review published in Nature Medicine highlighted the broader benefits of physical activity for mental health, cancer prevention, and overall well-being.
For FA patients, exercise may offer psychological benefits alongside physical improvements.
Overcoming Barriers to Exercise in FA
Despite the benefits, many people with FA still face obstacles when trying to stay active.
Common barriers include:
- Fatigue
- Fear of falling
- Muscle weakness
- Limited access to adaptive programs
- Safety concerns
- Lack of specialized trainers
The new study addressed these issues through individualized exercise plans tailored to participants’ abilities.
This personalized approach may be key to long-term success.
Experts generally recommend:
- Supervised exercise
- Gradual progression
- Balanced aerobic and strength training
- Rest periods when needed
- Consistency over intensity
The goal is not extreme workouts — it is sustainable movement that supports function and health.
Types of Exercise That May Help FA Patients
Different forms of exercise can provide different benefits for people living with FA.
Aerobic Exercise
Aerobic activities improve cardiovascular fitness and endurance.
Examples include:
- Walking
- Stationary cycling
- Swimming
- Adaptive treadmill programs
Strength Training
Resistance exercises can help maintain muscle strength and stability.
Examples include:
- Resistance bands
- Light weights
- Bodyweight exercises
Balance and Coordination Training
These exercises may reduce fall risk and improve mobility.
Examples include:
- Physical therapy routines
- Stability exercises
- Controlled movement drills
Flexibility Work
Stretching can help maintain range of motion and reduce stiffness.
Each exercise program should be customized to the individual’s condition and capabilities.
The Role of Personalized Fitness Programs
One of the most important aspects of the study was the individualized nature of the exercise program.
This matters because FA affects people differently.
Some individuals remain ambulatory for years, while others require mobility assistance earlier in life.
Personalized programs can:
- Reduce injury risk
- Improve adherence
- Increase comfort and confidence
- Adapt to changing abilities
Healthcare professionals increasingly emphasize that exercise should meet patients where they are, rather than forcing unrealistic fitness goals.
Could Exercise Slow Disease Progression?
The new study did not prove that exercise slows the progression of FA itself. However, researchers believe improved physical fitness could help patients maintain function longer.
Scientists are now exploring whether regular activity may:
- Preserve muscle efficiency
- Improve mitochondrial function
- Support nervous system health
- Reduce secondary complications
Longer studies are still needed to determine whether exercise can directly influence disease progression.
Still, the evidence strongly suggests that staying active provides meaningful health benefits.
The Future of FA Treatment
Currently, there is no cure for Friedreich’s ataxia.
Treatment usually focuses on symptom management, physical therapy, and supportive care.
However, researchers continue investigating:
- Gene therapies
- Mitochondrial treatments
- Energy metabolism therapies
- Exercise interventions
- Nutritional approaches
The latest study adds to growing optimism that lifestyle-based interventions can play a valuable role alongside medical treatments.
What Experts Say About Physical Activity
Global health experts consistently recommend physical activity for overall health.
The World Health Organization states that regular movement improves both physical and mental well-being across all age groups.
Researchers also emphasize that inactivity carries serious risks.
Physical inactivity has been linked to:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Diabetes
- Depression
- Reduced mobility
- Premature mortality
Even small increases in movement can make a difference.
Exercise as a Long-Term Lifestyle Habit
One major lesson from modern health research is that consistency matters more than perfection.
For people with FA, sustainable exercise routines are likely more beneficial than intense short-term efforts.
Simple habits can have lasting impact:
- Daily stretching
- Short walks
- Adaptive cycling
- Guided therapy exercises
- Low-impact aerobic routines
The goal is to create movement patterns that can realistically continue over time.
Encouraging Families and Caregivers
Families and caregivers play a vital role in supporting physical activity for people with FA.
Encouragement, accessibility, and emotional support can help patients stay engaged in exercise routines.
Helpful strategies include:
- Participating together
- Setting achievable goals
- Celebrating small milestones
- Working with therapists
- Creating safe exercise environments
Positive reinforcement can improve motivation and reduce fear surrounding physical activity.
Final Thoughts
The new research showing that exercise improves fitness for children and adults with Friedreich’s ataxia offers a hopeful message for patients, families, and healthcare providers alike.
While FA remains a challenging condition, the study demonstrates that structured physical activity can safely improve cardiopulmonary fitness and support healthier movement.
Perhaps most importantly, the findings reinforce a broader truth supported by decades of science: exercise remains one of the most powerful tools available for improving health and quality of life.
For people living with FA, movement may not cure the disease — but it can help strengthen the body, boost confidence, and support greater independence.
As researchers continue exploring new therapies and treatment approaches, exercise is increasingly emerging not as a limitation, but as an important part of the solution.
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