Article

The modified Dynamic Gait Index (mDGI) measures the capacity to adapt
gait to complex tasks utilizing 8 tasks and 3 facets of performance. The
measurement stability of the mDGI in specific diagnostic groups is unknown.
This study examined the psychometric properties of the mDGI in 5
diagnostic groups. DESIGN: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive study.
METHODS: A total of 794 participants were included in the study: 140 controls,
239 with stroke, 140 with vestibular dysfunction, 100 with traumatic brain
injury, 91 with gait abnormality, and 84 with Parkinson disease. Differential
item functioning analysis was used to examine the comparability of scores across
diagnoses. Internal consistency was computed using Cronbach alpha. Factor
analysis was used to examine the factor loadings for the 3 performance facet
scores. Minimal detectable change at the 95% confidence level (MDC95%) was
calculated for each of the groups. RESULTS: Less than 5% of comparisons
demonstrated moderate to large differential item functioning, suggesting that
item scores had the same order of difficulty for individuals in all 5 diagnostic
groups. For all 5 patient groups, 3 factors had eigenvalues >1.0 and explained
80% of the variability in scores, supporting the importance of characterizing
mobility performance with respect to time, level of assistance, and gait pattern.
LIMITATIONS: There were uneven sample sizes in the 6 groups. CONCLUSIONS: The
strength of the psychometric properties of the mDGI across the 5 diagnostic
groups further supports the validity and usefulness of scores for clinical and
research purposes. In addition, the meaning of a score from the mDGI, regardless
of whether at the task, performance facet, or total score level, was comparable
across the 5 diagnostic groups, suggesting that the mDGI measured mobility
function independent of medical diagnosis.
CI - (c) 2014 American Physical Therapy Association.

Langue : ANGLAIS