Accelerometric evaluation of ataxic gait: therapeutic uses of weighting and elastic bandage.

Two-dimensional (fore-aft and vertical) acceleration of locomotion was measured in 10 normal subjects and 13 patients with idiopathic olivopontocerebellar atrophy who were ataxic but able to walk without any assistance. Accelerometers were tightly placed on the third lumbar vertebra. Asymmetry and unsmoothness indices of locomotion defined from the line spectra of the accelerometric data were computed. Reproducibility of the indices was checked in the normal subjects and patients. The index values were significantly correlated with visual rating of gait unsteadiness in the patients. The indices for vertical components were significantly increased when subjects walked slowly. Effects of weights and bandages on gait were analysed by the fore-aft components of the indices. They were attached to both lower extremities. Weighting or bandaging did not change, or even increased the index values in most of the normal subjects. The indices were also unchanged in the patients. However, some of the patients showed significant improvement with weights or bandages. Mechanisms of therapeutic effects of weighting and elastic bandages on ataxia are discussed.