Article

In this paper, the relationship of the Gait Deviation Index (GDI) to gross motor
function and its ability to distinguish between different Gross Motor Function
Classification System (GMFCS) levels was determined.
A representative sample of
184 ambulant children with CP in GMFCS levels I (n=57), II (n=91), III (n=22) and
IV (n=14) were recruited as part of a population-based study. Representative gait
cycles were selected following a 3D gait analysis and gross motor function was
assessed using the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM). GDI scores were
calculated in Matlab. Valid 3D kinematic data were obtained for 173 participants
and both kinematic and GMFM data were obtained for 150 participants.
A substantial relationship between mean GDI and GMFM-66 scores was demonstrated
(r=0.70; p<0.001) with significant differences in mean GDI scores between GMFCS
levels (p<0.001) indicating increasing levels of gait deviation in subjects less
functionally able. The relationship between the GDI, GMFM and GMFCS in a
representative sample of ambulators, lends further weight to the validity of the
GDI scoring system. Furthermore it suggests that the subtleties of gait may not
be wholly accounted for by gross motor function evaluation alone.
Gait specific
tools such as the GDI more likely capture both the functional and aesthetic components of walking.
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Langue : ANGLAIS