Assessment of conformity and repeatability of chosen scales used for evaluation of gait after brain stroke

Justyna Podgórska-Bednarz
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Justyna Wyszyńska
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Mariusz Drużbicki
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Grzegorz Przysada
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Ewelina Czenczek-Lewandowska
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Justyna Leszczak
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Joanna Baran
Institute of Health Sciences, Medical College of Rzeszów University, Rzeszów, Poland
Medical Faculty, University of Rzeszów, Rzeszów, Poland
Department of Physiotherapy, Institute of Health Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, University of Rzeszow, Rzeszow, Poland
Institute of Physiotherapy, Medical Department, University of Rzeszow, Rzeszów, Poland
Institute of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rzeszow, Rzeszow, Poland
Institute of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rzeszow, Rzeszow, Poland
Institute of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rzeszow, Rzeszow, Poland

Abstract

Introduction: Locomotor disorders at a patient after stroke significantly deteriorate his/her everyday functioning and quality of life. Improvement of gait pattern is often a crucial task in post-stroke neurorehabilitation as the ability to move unaided allows the patient to achieve the highest possible level of independence and actively participate in social life. Various measuring tools are used to evaluate the locomotor functions.

Purpose: The aim of this paper was to assess the conformity and accuracy of chosen tools (i.e. Functional Gait Assessment, Dynamic Gait Index and Wisconsin Gait Scale) enabling the evaluation of gait functions of stroke survivors.

Material and methods: The study included 30 patients with hemiparesis who had undergone a stroke once at least six months before the research. The gait function of each patient was assessed in the ten-point Functional Gait Assessment (FGA) scale, the Dynamic Gait Index (DGI) scale, the Wisconsin Gait Scale (WGS) and 10-meter walk test. Balance, however, was evaluated using the Berg Balance Scale and Get Up and Go test.

Results: The test making use of FGA proved a high level of repeatability (p=0,64) as well as high internal (α=0,86) and external (r=0,96) consistency of the achieved results. The study found out significant correlation between the gait assessments conducted according to DGI and FGA scale (r= 0,95) and strong dependency between values of FGA and WGS (r= - 0,75). All correlations were statistically significant.

Conclusion: FGA, DGI and WGS scales are characterised by high internal and external conformity of results. They are good and recommended clinical tests used for assessment of gait of post-stroke patients with paresis.

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