Article

Bipedal locomotor control requirements may be useful as
classifications for walking dysfunction because they go beyond gait analysis to
address all issues contributing to walking dysfunction. The objective
of this study was to determine whether locomotor experts could achieve consensus
about the requirements for bipedal locomotion. METHODS: Locomotor
experts from physical therapy and other related professions participated in an
electronic mail Delphi survey. Experts recommended additions, deletions,
rewording, and merges for 15 proposed locomotor requirements in round 1. In
rounds 2 and 3, panelists commented on and rated the validity, mutual
exclusiveness, and understandability of each requirement. Consensus was defined a
priori as: (1) 75% or more panelists agree or strongly agree that a requirement
is valid, mutually exclusive, and understandable in round 3; (2) no difference
between round 2 and 3 ratings with kappa coefficients >/=.60; and (3) a reduction
in panelists who commented and convergence of comments between rounds 1 and 3.
Content analysis and nonparametric statistics were used. RESULTS: Fifty-eight
panelists reached full consensus on 5 locomotor requirements (Initiation,
Termination, Anticipatory Dynamic Balance, Multi-Task Capacity, and Walking
Confidence) and partial consensus for 7 other requirements. There were no
significant differences in ratings between rounds 2 and 3, and there was a
decrease in the percentage of panelists who commented between rounds 1 and 3.
LIMITATIONS: The study's 6-month time frame may have contributed to panelist
attrition. CONCLUSIONS: Locomotor experts achieved consensus on several bipedal
locomotor requirements. With validation, these requirements can provide the
framework for a clinically feasible and systematic diagnostic tool for physical
therapists to categorize locomotor problems and standardize intervention for
walking dysfunction.

Langue : ANGLAIS