Dynamic locomotor function in normals and patients with vertigo

Gait analysis was performed in patients with various vestibular systems usi ng a tactile sensor. There were 4 patients with vestibular neuronitis, 6 pa tients with large acoustic neuroma and 6 patients with spine-cerebellar deg eneration (SCD). Gait phase related parameters such as stance, swing and do uble support were studied to assess gait stability. Also the area ratio of trajectories of center of force during stance and progression of foot press ure were checked. The calculated value of each variable became high in path ological cases compared with normal controls, and the highest value was obt ained in the SCD group. As regards the effect of visual deprivation on stab ility of gait, the most striking change was found in the large acoustic neu roma group. In a case with a unilateral lesion such as vestibular neuroniti s and large acoustic neuroma, foot pressure was greater on the lesion side, especially during gait with eyes closed. As for the foot pressure progress ion curve, the SCD group showed the most irregular pattern in general, alth ough there were some individual variations. Those results could reflect a f unctional disorder of the gait control system caused by each disease. Signi ficance of gait analysis is also discussed.