AAC 2026: Exercise, mobility devices key in managing FA, preventing falls

When you’re living with Friedreich’s ataxia (FA), maintaining independence can become more challenging over time due to mobility challenges and other symptoms.

At the 2026 Annual Ataxia Conference (AAC) in Orlando, Florida, the session “Rehabilitation Strategies & Mobility Devices” discussed the value of exercise in the management of ataxias, including FA. It also provided an overview of mobility devices to support independence.

Presented by Jennifer Millar, a physical therapist and part-time assistant professor at the Johns Hopkins Ataxia Center in Baltimore, the session also discussed exercises that can help with managing ataxia. In addition, she shared tips for preventing falls.

Millar noted that the information provided in her talk was for informational purposes only. She advised that people consult their health providers for recommendations specific to them and their needs.

Exercise examples

Exercise can have many benefits for FA. For example, it can help support strength and flexibility as well as maintain or improve balance and coordination.

Millar discussed a range of exercises that a physical therapist may suggest for someone living with FA and other ataxias. But these are not recommendations: You always need to consult your doctor or a physical therapist before trying any new exercises, including those listed below.

Some of the exercises Millar discussed included:

• seated exercises
• side crawling
• bird dog
• standing balance
• exercise using a half-round foam roller

In an interview with Friedreich’s Ataxia News, Millar noted exercises that can be done in bed, such as bridges, leg raises, rolling over, and stretching.

Millar also suggested finding a physical therapist who specializes in neurological conditions. Ask your doctor for a recommendation, or you can search a database of physical therapists from the American Physical Therapy Association, she said.

It’s important, too, to prepare for your first physical therapy appointment.

“Always think about what your personal goals are,” Millar told Friedreich’s Ataxia News. “And you want to communicate those goals to the therapist right off the bat.”

Fall prevention

Preventing falls is a key aspect of managing FA. It helps reduce the risk of injury, maintain independence, and support overall quality of life.

During her AAC talk, Millar shared a number of fall prevention strategies:

• If you’ve fallen in the past, try to remember where and how it happened, and see if there’s anything you can do to prevent it in the future.
• Slow down and be mindful of your movements. Make sure you’re balanced before you take a step.
• If you have fallen while turning in the past, you may want to always pause before turning when walking, Millar said. When you do turn, lead with your eyes to signal to your brain where you want to go, and then turn your head and your body.
• Avoid multitasking because distraction can interfere with motor function.
• Be careful when getting in and out of a car, and avoid balancing on one leg during car transfers.
• If you do fall, you may want to crawl to a steady chair or another prop for support before standing up, to avoid falling again.
• Assess your home for fall hazards by removing area rugs, clearing power cords, and using night lights.
• Choose a chair that you can easily get out of.
• Install handrails or grab bars.
• Establish a fall safety plan and wear a fall detection device, such as a smartwatch or a special necklace.

Mobility devices

There are various mobility devices that you and your care team may consider to help support your independence and quality of life.

Millar recommends choosing a device that won’t fail you when you may need it most.

“In general, when it comes to thinking about using a mobility device, consider planning for your worst day and for the unexpected situations you might encounter,” she said during her AAC session.

Some devices to consider:

• walkers
• manual wheelchairs
• power wheelchairs
• scooters
• canes
• hiking poles

Depending on your symptoms and abilities, you may not need to use a device at all times. But Millar said that even if that’s the case, it’s good to have it available for when you do need it.

With FA and other ataxias, maintaining mobility is not just about movement. It’s also for preserving independence and safety over time.

By relying on exercise as allowed, fall prevention strategies, and supportive equipment, you can continue to navigate daily life with greater confidence.

Note: The Friedreich’s Ataxia News team is providing live coverage of the 2026 Annual Ataxia Conference April 9-11 in Orlando, Florida. Go here to see the latest stories from the conference.