Effects of Axial Weight Loading on Gait for Subjects with Cerebellar Ataxia: Preliminary Findings

Background and Purpose: Weighting the axial skeleton has been recommended to improve gait for patients with ataxia. In this study the effect of axial loading on gait of individuals with cerebellar ataxia was examined. Subjects and Methods: Five subjects with ataxic gait ambulated 9.76 meters for 5 trials in each of 4 conditions: an initial unweighted phase, with weight at the shoulders, with weight at the waist, and a final unweighted phase in a repeated ABCA single‐subject design. Footfall characteristics were recorded for 3.66 meters of each trial using a GAITRite® mat. The two standard deviation band method was used to analyze 6 gait parameters: velocity, cadence, standard deviation of step time, standard deviation of step length, width of the base of support, and double stance time. Results: Gait characteristics changed unpredictably in the 4 conditions, worsening more often than improving. Discussion: Effects of axial loading on gait were inconsistent. Conclusion: Using axial weights to improve gait for patients with ataxia was not supported.