Static Ataxia: A Predictor of Alcoholism?*

Abstract

Summary Non‐alcoholic college‐aged males with and without a family history of alcoholism were compared on a measure of static ataxia (body sway). In two separate studies, subjects with alcoholic biological relatives showed significantly greater body sway than those without such relatives. This effect was independent of alcohol influence and subjects' typical drinking pattern. To the extent that subjects with a family history of alcoholism are at risk to become alcoholic, these results suggest that the previously reported motor impairment of alcoholics may exist prior to chronic alcohol intake. This possibility should be considered cautiously, due to two methodological issues: (a) differences between the two studies in measurement procedures and (b) the use of subjects' self reports for family history classifications. Methodological improvements and future research directions were discussed.