Gait analysis in cerebellar ataxia

Abstract

Introduction: Ataxia is a neurological disorder affecting the cerebellum, causing impairment in balance and coordination. Causing gait abnormalities and indicating a high risk of falls. There are other neurological diseases that might have symptoms similar to ataxic gait, in which a specific gait assessment tools and measurement can be used to help in diagnosing and rolling out the underlying pathology. Aim: This study aims to analyse the changes in gait parameters in cases with cerebellar ataxia, and whether these changes in gait aid in further diagnosing. Methods: fourty-nine participants are engaged in the study, including twenty-two patients diagnosed with ataxia and twenty-seven healthy participants. Patients undergo gait assessments for speed, stride length, step width, step length, and step cadence using the OPTOgait LED array system and OPALs system. Data from these devices is then analysed to find the correlation between gait variables and cerebellar ataxia. Result: In participants with ataxia, step length, gait speed, stride time, and step cadence are significantly lower than the control group. Step width which is significantly increased. Conclusion: Participants with ataxia have a consistently abnormal gait pattern, distinguishing them from healthy controls.