We also analyzed the variability of the gait parameters, which is a feature that has been widely recognized as particularly characteristic of ataxia. The high gait variability of the patients with FRDA reflects both the deficit of balance control and the reduced a synergy of multi-joint movements. In our clinical cohort we found significant higher variability compared to controls in terms of standard deviations of ankle maximum dorsiflexion and duration of the single support phase, and a tendency to significance (significant differences only without Bonferroni correction) of some parameters such as lateral displacement of the COM, ankle joint excursion and foot progression angle. These measures are already reported as a safety strategy in order to control the balance and to prevent accidental falls. It is worthy to note that this feature influenced the possibility to exert any anticipatory or predictive strategy in gait control. The values of standard deviation were stable at the longitudinal analysis.