Abstract
The purpose of this study was to compare observational analysis of gait to six temporal distance measurements in order to rate the accuracy of the observational analysis.Ten hemiparetic and ten parkinsonian patients were asked to walk along a paper walkway with ink pads attached to their normal footwear. Measurements of velocity, cadence, step length, stride length, base width and foot angle were taken.Ten normal subjects were also evaluated on the paper walkway to give normal values as a baseline for comparison with the hemiparetic and parkinsonian patient’s measurements.Observational analysis was recorded on a gait assessment form and a video recording was made of each patient. Comparison was made between the results recorded on the gait assessment form and the objective data.Observational analysis was found to be fairly reliable for the assessment of some gait parameters but as no accurate data are produced it cannot be used to give scientific proof of the effectiveness of treatment.Step length was the most difficult parameter to evaluate observationally in the hemiparetic patients, whereas cadence, foot angle and base width were the most difficult in the parkinsonian patients. As velocity was an easy value to record objectively it should be used in all gait assessments.
Highlights
Hospital and Univesity o f the Witwatersrand six temporal distance measurements were analysed objectively from ink footprints
Observational analysis of the same six temporal distance factors was com pared to the objective data to
Observational analysis was recorded on a gait assessment form and a video recording was made of each patient
Summary
Ation is usually the main form o f gait evaluation. The question arises as to how accurately we can judge im provem ent or the degree of impairment in our patient's gait?. Hospital and Univesity o f the Witwatersrand six temporal distance measurements were analysed objectively from ink footprints. Observational analysis of the same six temporal distance factors was com pared to the objective data to. Witwatersrand show whether accuracy could be achieved observationally
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