Quantitative analysis of ataxic gait in patients with schizophrenia: the influence of age and visual control

Previous research has determined that patients with schizophrenia classically exhibit ataxic gait. Age and visual controls of balance are important factors, and may influence gait, but have not been controlled. A total of 100 patients with schizophrenia were included in this study, along with 50 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. They were sampled with methods which stratified both groups according to age and sex. Tandem gait tests were conducted with eyes open and closed, and gait parameters were assessed by the footprint method. Ataxic gait was found to be significantly more frequent in the schizophrenic group. With eyes open, ataxic gait showed a significant increase with age in the schizophrenic group, but not in the healthy control group. Adjusting ataxic gait of the patients on the basis of the normal age effects measured in the healthy control group, the ataxic gait in the schizophrenic group increased according to age. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that old age and previous history of alcohol dependence/abuse were the risk factors for ataxic gait with eyes open. This implies that a dysfunction of the visuo-cerebellar circuit in patients with schizophrenia increases according to age.