Article

Perceived ability or confidence plays an important role in
determining function and behavior. The modified Gait Efficacy Scale (mGES) is a
10-item self-report measure used to assess walking confidence under challenging
everyday circumstances.
The purpose of this study was to determine the
reliability, internal consistency, and validity of the mGES as a measure of gait
in older adults. This was a cross-sectional study. METHODS: Participants
were 102 community-dwelling older adults (mean [+/-SD] age=78.6+/-6.1 years) who
were independent in ambulation with or without an assistive device. Participants
were assessed using the mGES and measures of confidence and fear, measures of
function and disability, and performance-based measures of mobility. In a
subsample (n=26), the mGES was administered twice within a 1-month period to
establish test-retest reliability through the intraclass correlation coefficient
(ICC [2,1]). The standard error of measure (SEM) was determined from the ICC and
standard deviation. The Cronbach alpha value was calculated to determine internal
consistency. To establish the validity of the mGES, the Spearman rank order
correlation coefficient was used to examine the association with measures of
confidence, fear, gait, and physical function and disability. RESULTS: The mGES
demonstrated test-retest reliability within the 1-month period (ICC=.93, 95%
confidence interval=.85, .97). The SEM of the mGES was 5.23. The mGES was
internally consistent across the 10 items (Cronbach alpha=.94). The mGES was
related to measures of confidence and fear (r=.54-.88), function and disability
(Late-Life Function and Disability Instrument, r=.32-.88), and performance-based
mobility (r=.38-.64). LIMITATIONS: This study examined only community-dwelling
older adults. The results, therefore, should not be generalized to other patient
populations. CONCLUSION: The mGES is a reliable and valid measure of confidence
in walking among community-dwelling older adults.

Langue : ANGLAIS