**1. Introduction**

*"Lack of activity destroys the good condition of every human being, while movement and methodical physical exercise save it and preserve it." – Plato (ancient Greek philosopher, 427–347 BCE).*

Inherited degenerative ataxia (DA) represents a clinically varied range of inheritance patterns, including autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive, X-linked, and mitochondrial. Hereditary ataxias with distinct mapped brain structures include fragile X tremor ataxia syndrome (FXTAS), ataxia telangiectasia (AT), ataxia with oculomotor apraxia types 1 and 2 (AOA1, AOA2), cerebellar ataxia/neuropathy/vestibular are flexia syndrome (CANVAS), and spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA). However, many inherited DA cases are idiopathic. A person's freedom and quality of life are negatively impacted by this group of disorders, which are characterized by a progressive deterioration in balance and coordination [1].

Cerebellar degeneration may result from inherited genetic mutations. Control over coordination is located in the cerebellum. The consequent lack of coordination in the

lower and upper limbs, trunk, and neck affects all activities such as walking, standing, being on all fours, kneeling, squatting, sitting, controlling gestures, controlling speech, initiating an action, and stopping an action. Movements involving the fingers, hands, eyes, and voice are also affected. Because of this, the central nervous system's various regions and the communication pathways that carry information to them are dysfunctional, resulting in the typical ataxia symptoms [2].

There is currently no cure, and both medical and surgical interventions have only minor effects [2]. However, rehabilitative training regimens are advantageous for this population. By reducing the risk of the most prevalent age-related diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes, obesity, metabolic disorder, inflammation, muscle atrophy, bone and cartilage loss or degeneration, a decline in aerobic capacity, and the progression of several neurodegenerative diseases, physical activity has been shown in the literature to improve overall health. There is proof that living an active lifestyle and having good health go hand in hand [3–5] (**Figure 1**).

Exercise benefits all of the physiological systems in the human body, including the digestive, immune, circulatory, respiratory, and musculoskeletal systems [7]. Additionally, the benefits of exercise for brain health may slow the cognitive loss associated with aging. Regular exercise enhances cognition, memory, attention, processing speed, and executive function in healthy individuals and reduces the risk of dementia and other age-related cognitive illnesses [8, 9]. The authors recommend that future studies examine the amount of exercise that will best promote protection.

Exercise promotes pre- and postsynaptic function, synaptic plasticity, neurogenesis (neuroplasticity), and neuronal number [10]. Astrocytic degeneration, astrocyte size, and astrocyte levels may also increase [11] (**Figure 2**).

Maugeri and her colleagues conducted research on the effects of exercise on brain function in 2021, concentrating on the activity of astrocytes in a healthy central nervous system. They observed astrocytes and exercise have a positive relationship, and astrocyte changes may play a significant role in the improvement of executive and cognitive brain processes that is associated with exercise. The findings of this review showed the importance of exercise as a reliable and commonly used method

**Figure 1.** *Common ataxia symptoms [6].*

**Figure 2.** *Mental benefits of weight training [12].*

for improving cognitive brain functioning through mechanisms that also include astrocytes. Even if it cannot be used alone, exercise is a potential treatment for neuropathologies [13].

There has been some research on the hippocampus, a vital brain area for memory and learning [14]. After participating in aerobic exercise for many months to a year, the prefrontal and temporal cortex [15], as well as the hippocampus [16], have all been shown to have increased activity and volume. In order to successfully support "brain rejuvenation" in important executive and cognitive domains, exercise is recommended.
