A New Quantitative Ataxia Test Battery

摘要

A new multi-dimensional quantitative ataxia test battery employing the 'rail method' of testing was developed to assess more precisely than heretofore postural equilibriumdisequilibrium under unusual conditions and stresses such as rotating environments. High reliability, including testretest reliability, was demonstrated for each of two versions: a Long Version employing six rails of varying widths, and a Short Version employing two of these rails. Normative standards covering a wide age range, and age, height, and weight influences upon performance, tentative sex differences in performance, practice effects, and Test Battery relationships with several clinical-type ataxia tests were determined. Validity of the standardized test procedures in the laboratory, in the field, and in clinical situations was demonstrated, and present and future uses of the Test Battery in normals and auricularinvolved individuals in vestibular research as well as in related research-clinical areas were outlined, and several methodological limitations were indicated. (Author)