Article

Increased step-to-step variability is a feature of gait in individuals with
Parkinson's disease (PD) and is associated with increased disease severity and
reductions in balance and mobility. The Gait Variability Index (GVI) quantifies
gait variability in spatiotemporal variables where a score >/=100 indicates a
similar level of gait variability as the control group, and lower scores denote
increased gait variability. The study aim was to explore mean GVI score and
investigate construct validity of the index for individuals with mild to moderate
PD. 100 (57 males) subjects with idiopathic PD, Hoehn & Yahr 2 (n=44) and 3, and
>/=60 years were included. Data on disease severity, dynamic balance, mobility
and spatiotemporal gait parameters at self-selected speed (GAITRite) was
collected. The results showed a mean overall GVI: 97.5 (SD 11.7) and mean GVI for
the most affected side: 94.5 (SD 10.6). The associations between the GVI and
Mini- BESTest and TUG were low (r=0.33 and 0.42) and the GVI could not
distinguish between Hoehn & Yahr 2 and 3 (AUC=0.529, SE=0.058, p=0.622). The mean
GVI was similar to previously reported values for older adults, contrary to
consistent reports of increased gait variability in PD compared to healthy peers.
Therefore, the validity of the GVI could not be confirmed for individuals with
mild to moderate PD in its current form due to low associations with validated
tests for functional balance and mobility and poor discriminatory ability. Future
work should aim to establish which spatiotemporal variables are most informative
regarding gait variability in individuals with PD.
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Langue : ANGLAIS