Step Width Haptic Feedback for Gait Stability in Spinocerebellar Ataxia: Preliminary Results

Background: Wider step width and lower step-to-step variability are linked to improved gait stability and reduced fall risk. It is unclear if patients with spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA) can learn to adjust these aspects of gait to reduce fall risk. Objectives: The aims were to examine the possibility of using wearable step width haptic biofeedback to enhance gait stability and reduce fall risk in individuals with SCA. Methods: Thirteen people with SCA type 3 performed step width training (single session) using real-time feedback. Results: Step width increased post-training (19.3 cm, interquartile range [IQR] 16.3–20.2 cm) and at retention (16.6 cm, IQR 16.2–21.1 cm), compared to baseline (11.0 cm, IQR 5.2–15.2 cm; P < 0.001). Step width variability decreased during post-training (19.7%, IQR 17.4%–26.2%) and at retention (22.3%, IQR 18.6%–30.2%), compared to baseline (44.5%, IQR 28.5%–71.2%; P < 0.001). Crossover steps, another mark of instability, decreased after training (P < 0.031). Conclusions: These pilot results suggest that patients with SCA can use a novel, wearable biofeedback system to improve their gait stability.