Article

We performed a retrospective chart review to determine
the responsiveness and minimal detectable change (MDC95) in persons with balance
and vestibular disorders with the dynamic gait index (DGI) and the functional
gait assessment (FGA). METHODS: The study cohort consisted of 326 patients with a
mean age of 60 +/- 18.3 years (range, 18-95 years; 69% female). The DGI, FGA,
Activities-Specific Balance Confidence (ABC) scale, and the dizziness handicap
inventory (DHI) were collected at intake and discharge. RESULTS: The standardized
response mean as an index of responsiveness was greater for the FGA (1.25) than
for the DGI (0.72). Both measures demonstrated good internal consistency with
baseline measures. The amount of pre- to posttreatment change that exceeds chance
variation was estimated at 4 points for the DGI and 6 points for the FGA. In both
the DGI and the FGA, a magnitude of change equivalent to the respective MDC95 was
significantly associated with improvements in self-reported disability as
measured by the ABC and DHI. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: The DGI and the FGA are
responsive to change over time in persons with balance and vestibular disorders.
More complex gait measures need to be developed, as close to 50% of the subjects
received optimal scores at discharge from a physical therapy exercise program,
indicating that these measures have a ceiling effect.

Langue : ANGLAIS

Tiré à part : OUI