ABSTRACT
Implementation of quantitative techniques to study disorders of coordination of movements inhereditary ataxias permits an objective description of the disease. To make an objective evaluation of the maindisorders of coordination in patients with ataxia and compare healthy persons with those affected. Wemade a prospective transverse study of 43 normal persons and 50 patients with type 2 spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA2). In allcases we made a qualitative examination of Rombergs sign in two stages to increase the sensitivity. We observed how longthe person could keep his balance or whether he swayed and fell. The finger-nose test and diadochokinesia were alsoquantitatively analyzed using a specially designed system connected to a computer which permitted quantitative analysis. We showed that the patients with SCA2 swayed when standing upright. However, they swayed and fell more whenthe test became more sensitive. This showed loss of postural sense. The maximum variables of the period and standarddeviation were increased, whilst the effectiveness was significantly reduced in the group of patients (finger-nose test).Quantitative examination of diadochokinesia showed increased values for the maximum period, standard deviation andintegral. Conclusions. The techniques developed allow measurement of the main disorders of coordination in patients withSCA2, help to differentiate affected persons...(AU)
