Fighting rare genetic disorder, 31-year-old will attempt a push-ups world record on Independence Day

Brahmabhatt is testing his endurance as he attempts to create a new Guinness World Record in the category for persons with disabilities, becoming the first SCA case to perform 35 TRX Atomic Push-ups. Apart from being a personal milestone, the attempt is meant to raise awareness about living with SCA and how turning to Tai Chi, a form of ancient Chinese martial arts for low-impact exercise involving flowing movements, has helped him walk back in balance.

Soon after recovering from COVID-19 in 2020, Brahmabhatt began experiencing symptoms he recognised from his father’s illness: impairment of coordination, slurred speech and loss of control of gait. His father had passed away at 51, around 13 years ago, after battling the disease.

SCA, caused by a genetic mutation, is passed from parents to their children and impairs nerve cells and fibres, leading to degeneration of the cerebellum and affecting coordination and related body functions.

For close to three years, Brahmabhatt lived in denial as his condition became visible. He struggled to climb or descend stairs without support, and dealt with chronic dysarthria (slurred speech). It was only in December 2023 that he sought a formal diagnosis.

“I had suffered mild Covid-19 too and I dismissed it for after-effects… I had seen my father suffer through and pass away at the age of 51. I had guessed that the symptoms were the same but I lived in denial for a long time. That is because my family had come to believe that only the married men had been affected by SCA; my unmarried paternal uncle had not been affected and I was unmarried too. I dragged on,” says Brahmabhatt.

“I knew my mother and sister would be shattered if they learned that I have also been affected by the genetic disorder in the family. My father’s passing away had already impacted them much… and so, I tried to pull on but as things began to get out of hand with my movement and speech getting affected, I took the test in December 2023,” he adds.

Diagnosed with Spinocerebellar Ataxia type 1 (SCA1) — a rare, genetic neurodegenerative disorder affecting the cerebellum that causes lack of coordination, difficulty with gait and slurred speech — Brahmabhatt recalled his neurologist’s warning that he might eventually be wheelchair-bound.

“Since I could not share about my condition with my immediate family, I used to talk to my distant cousin, a physiotherapist based in the US. I also had done a lot of scientific research to understand what would work and help me eventually; my father in his days had relied on spiritual intervention and it had not helped him… I used some time to also improve my financial condition by focusing on my business, a luxury my father did not have… My cousin told me about several Ataxia patients in the US taking up Tai Chi… So, when my consulting neurologist saw my diagnosis and told me, ‘You will have to prepare yourself for a life in a wheelchair’, it crushed my ego. I told my doctor that I will never use a wheelchair,” he said.

. He struggled to climb or descend stairs without support, and dealt with chronic dysarthria (slurred speech). It was only in December 2023 that he sought a formal diagnosis. (Express)

Brahmabhatt is the owner of Mechman Solution, an authorised Autodesk channel partner of CAD-CAM products. Determined to take control of his life, he began training under Babloo Sawant, a Tai Chi master, originally from Assam, who runs the centre of Mixed Martial Arts Association Gujarat in the Vadsar area of the city. Over a year, tailored Tai Chi exercises helped improve his posture and balance. “When I first began training, it was difficult for me to walk straight. Today, I can walk almost straight but if you ask me to carry a glass of water, I will spill it. I can manage myself, drive my car and continue to work on my business uninterrupted… It is because of Tai Chi, which has been extremely beneficial for me in recalibrating the body coordination with the help of mindful movements,” he says.

Sawant says, “Tai Chi is not just martial arts, it’s the yin and yang of everything; it is mindful awareness and focuses on the inner elements that make up our bodies… It elevates the aura of an individual, allowing a deeper connection with the mind. It helps the posture and strengthens the legs and upper body coordination, bringing a much better blood flow within the body. Whatever Sagar ji has achieved is a result of his will power. I was only a catalyst but I am proud that he has come this far.”

Brahmabhatt says his record attempt in the Special Persons’ section is as much about awareness as it is about personal motivation. “When my diagnosis was confirmed, I studied my scans to understand the brain markings of the damaged cerebellum. I also met other patients whose scans did not show as much damage as mine but (lack of action) damaged their case to a great extent… My goal is to go further ahead and try to make myself fitter.”

Sawant explains, “The atomic push-ups appear to be simple, but they involve engagement of multiple muscle groups and require focus and coordination. Core strength, stability and control are enhanced for people with this condition. Once he is through with the record, we will set a renewed goal for him.”

Ahmedabad-based neurologist Dr Arvind Sharma says Brahmabhatt’s case shows how patients with Ataxia can lead “fruitful lives” through physical therapy and nutritional mindfulness. “We all know that SCA is not curable. It is a genetic disorder and SCA has a huge domain from Type 1 to Type 12. SCA 1, 2 and 12 are common in India. In some forms of Ataxia (like Brahmabhatt), where the cerebellum is affected and the balance is impaired, physical therapy and meditation definitely helps slow down the degeneration,” he says.

“People who take to these kinds of low-impact exercises that involve gait control, and maintain a positive mindset and do not get depressed, they may overcome the disorder and since there is no involvement of cognitive decline or bladder and renal functions, they can do well in their jobs. No one wants to be dependent on anyone for their day-to-day activities… If nutrition is taken care of including Vitamin D3, B12 and protein intake, patients with some types of Ataxia can lead a good, fruitful and independent life for up to two-three decades,” Dr Sharma said.

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