Reliability and Validity Study of the Chamorro Assisted Gait Scale for People with Sprained Ankles, Walking with Forearm Crutches

Abstract

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to design and validate a functional assessment scale for assisted gait with forearm crutches (Chamorro Assisted Gait Scale—CHAGS) and to assess its reliability in people with sprained ankles.DesignThirty subjects who suffered from sprained ankle (anterior talofibular ligament first and second degree) were included in the study. A modified Delphi technique was used to obtain the content validity. The selected items were: pelvic and scapular girdle dissociation(1), deviation of Center of Gravity(2), crutch inclination(3), steps rhythm(4), symmetry of step length(5), cross support(6), simultaneous support of foot and crutch(7), forearm off(8), facing forward(9) and fluency(10). Two raters twice visualized the gait of the sample subjects which were recorded. The criterion-related validity was determined by correlation between CHAGS and Coding of eight criteria of qualitative gait analysis (Viel Coding). Internal consistency and inter and intra-rater reliability were also tested.ResultsCHAGS obtained a high and negative correlation with Viel Coding. We obtained a good internal consistency and the intra-class correlation coefficients oscillated between 0.97 and 0.99, while the minimal detectable changes were acceptable.ConclusionCHAGS scale is a valid and reliable tool for assessing assisted gait with crutches in people with sprained ankles to perform partial relief of lower limbs.

Technology-Based Feedback and Its Efficacy in Improving Gait Parameters in Patients with Abnormal Gait: A Systematic Review

“…Many authors [ 10 , 20 , 26 ], including those writing this article, favour efficiency versus the effectiveness of clinical technology in relation to financial, spatiotemporal and human resources [ 45 ]. In other words, clinical professionals require assessment and treatment systems which are feasible for everyday clinical practice, allowing adequate development of a process of functional [ 1 , 22 ] gait recovery. For instance, Quinzaños et al [ 15 ] highlight the efficacy of the acoustic stimulus for re-training gait cadence and symmetry.…”

“…The basic motor functions of the human being, such as gait, can be altered because of a wide range of traumatalogical, neurological, rheumatic, etc. pathologies [ 1 , 2 ]. Hip arthrosis [ 3 ], knee osteoarthritis [ 4 ], strokes, hemiparesis [ 5 , 6 , 7 ], or lower-limb amputations [ 8 ], all produce important alterations to gait patterns.…”

Desarrollo de una muleta sensorizada para medir la inclinación y el peso descargado

“…En [11], se utiliza un bastón instrumentado para estimar la intención de movimiento y poder controlar un exoesqueleto. También se pueden usar estos dispositivos para el entrenamiento de la marcha con muletas, monitorizando parámetros como la inclinación de la muleta o la desviación del centro de gravedad [17], ya que un uso inadecuado de la muleta puede provocar lesiones [9]. Incluso se pueden utilizar para la clasificación de diferentes ejercicios o actividades como subir y bajar escaleras, caminar en llano o quedarse de pie [9,21].…”

Influence of the load exerted over a forearm crutch in spatiotemporal step parameters during assisted gait: pilot study

“…Gait is one of the most important functions of human locomotion [ 1 ], and its reeducation is an essential part of many physiotherapy treatments [ 2 , 3 ]. That is why this motor function has been analyzed from many perspectives: biomechanics, innovative technology and clinical procedures [ 4 – 6 ].…”