Can an observational gait scale produce a result consistent with 3-dimensional gait analysis?: a prospective observational study

Abstract

Background: To investigate whether a simple observational tool may be a substitute to the time-consuming and costly 3-dimensional (3D) analysis, the study applied the Wisconsin Gait Scale (WGS), enabling assessment which is highly consistent with 3D gait parameters in individuals after stroke. The aim of this study was to determine whether, and to what extent, observational information obtained from WGS-based assessment can be applied to predict results of 3D gait analysis for selected symmetry indicators related to spatiotemporal and kinematic gait parameters. Methods: Fifty individuals at a chronic stage of recovery post-stroke were enrolled in the study. The spatiotemporal and kinematic gait parameters were measured using a movement analysis system. The Symmetry Index (SI), was calculated for selected gait parameters. The study participants’ gait was evaluated by means of the WGS. The regression analysis was applied to investigate whether a simple observational tool may be a substitute to the time-consuming and costly 3D analysis. Results: It was shown that 3D SI, related to Stance Time [s], Stance %, Hip and Knee Flexion-Extension Range of Motion may be described with fairly high accuracy using item questions of the WGS (0.7≤|R|<0.9; 0.9≤|R|<1). This initial finding provided a rationale for the assumption that a combination of selected WGS items may enable even more accurate estimation of SI for 3D parameters. It was shown that Stance % SI, Hip and Knee Flexion-Extension Range of Motion SI can most effectively be substituted by WGS-based estimations – coefficient of determination exceeding 80%. Conclusions: It was shown that information acquired based on the WGS can be used to obtain results comparable to those achieved in 3D assessment for selected SIs of spatiotemporal and kinematic gait parameters. The study confirms that observation of gait using the WGS, which is an ordinal scale, is consistent with the main aims of 3D assessment, therefore the scale can be recommended as a substitute tool in gait assessment. Trial registration: ANZCTR, ACTRN12617000436370. Registered 24 March 2017, https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=372248.