Validity of Visually Recorded Temporal-Distance Measures at Selected Walking Velocities for Gait Analysis

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the validity of measures of temporal distance in a clinical analysis of gait. Data were collected from 15 normal subjects by one examiner. Equipment consisted of a 10-meter laminated walking track, dictaphone, metronome, and ink markers. The number of errors at four walking speeds were examined using a standardized analysis of gait. Analysis of variance showed a significant number of errors between the first and last halves of the measurement distance and among the four walking velocities. Post hoc analysis using the Scheffé test indicated significant differences in the mean number of errors at the velocities of 60 and 75 versus 25 and 40 m.min-1. An F test for simple effects indicated a significant number of errors occurred during the second half of the measured distance and at walking velocities of 60 and 75 m.min-1. These results indicate that the gait analysis is valid for measurements taken at all of the walking velocities only when recorded over a three-meter distance and only at the velocities of 25 and 40 m.min-1 over a six-meter distance.

Gait Disorders in Older Adults

“…Instrumented methods used to acquire gait performance data vary in terms of cost, time, personnel and technical expertise, and equipment required. Relatively simple techniques that yield temporal distance information (such as velocity and step length) range from use of a stop watch (which may introduce observer effects) to presumably less obtrusive measures such as optical beams, 196,197 ultrasonic pulses, 198 grid‐patterned or instrumented walkways, 199–201 ink footprints 192,193,202 , and a lightweight, instrumented trolley attached to the patient's heels 203 . Time‐distance parameters, particularly velocity and stride length, appear reliable and correlate with clinical measures such as reduction of dependency on a therapist or assistive device 204,205…”

Validity and Reliability of Visual Ratings of the Vertical Jump

“…Physical therapy and ergonomics studies have documented poor to good v&dity of visual ratings of static postures or slow movements (Stubert, Straw, & Deuine, 1990;Douwes & Dul, 1991;Genaidy, Simmons, Guo, & Hidalgo, 1993). The faster-moving aspects (swing phase versus stance phase) of gait, however, are not rated as accurately (Patla & Clouse, 1988).…”

Physical and Motor Fitness Tests for Older Adults Living in Nursing Homes: A Systematic Review

“…This test seems to have high relative and absolute reliability in nursing home residents [286], which strengthens its potential for clinical and research use. The remaining three tests most used in recent years for assessing gait have protocols similar to each other, but using different walking distances (4, 6, and 10 m walking tests) [287][288][289]. All these methods access the person's usual gait speed.…”