Discriminant validity and test re-test reproducibility of a gait assessment in patients with vestibular dysfunction

Background:
Gait function may be impaired in patients with vestibular disorders, making gait assessment in the clinical setting relevant for this patient population. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the discriminant validity of a gait assessment protocol between patients with vestibular disorders and healthy participants. Furthermore, test re-test reproducibility and the measurement error of gait performance measures in patients with vestibular lesions was performed under different walking conditions.
Methods:
Gait parameters of thirty-five patients with vestibular disorders and twenty-seven healthy controls were assessed twice with the GAITRite® system. Discriminant validity, reproducibility (intra class correlation [ICC]) and the measurement error (standard error of measurement [SEM], smallest detectable change [SDC]) were determined for gait speed, cadence and step length. Bland-Altman plots were made to assess systematic bias between tests.
Results:
A significant effect of grouping on gait performance indicates discriminant validity of gait assessment. All tests revealed differences between patients and healthy controls (p 

Source: BMC Ear, Nose and Throat Disorders - October 22, 2015 Category: ENT & OMF Authors: Annatina SchmidheinyJaap SwanenburgDominik StraumannEling de BruinRuud Knols Source Type: research