Abstract
ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to design and validate a functional assessment scale for assisted gait with forearm crutches (Chamorro Assisted Gait Scale—CHAGS) and to assess its reliability in people with sprained ankles.DesignThirty subjects who suffered from sprained ankle (anterior talofibular ligament first and second degree) were included in the study. A modified Delphi technique was used to obtain the content validity. The selected items were: pelvic and scapular girdle dissociation(1), deviation of Center of Gravity(2), crutch inclination(3), steps rhythm(4), symmetry of step length(5), cross support(6), simultaneous support of foot and crutch(7), forearm off(8), facing forward(9) and fluency(10). Two raters twice visualized the gait of the sample subjects which were recorded. The criterion-related validity was determined by correlation between CHAGS and Coding of eight criteria of qualitative gait analysis (Viel Coding). Internal consistency and inter and intra-rater reliability were also tested.ResultsCHAGS obtained a high and negative correlation with Viel Coding. We obtained a good internal consistency and the intra-class correlation coefficients oscillated between 0.97 and 0.99, while the minimal detectable changes were acceptable.ConclusionCHAGS scale is a valid and reliable tool for assessing assisted gait with crutches in people with sprained ankles to perform partial relief of lower limbs.
Highlights
Human gait is one of the main functions of human beings[1] which has led to gait re-education becoming an increasingly important part of physical therapy treatments.The need for functional gait evaluations involves the creation of a variety of assessment mechanisms[1,2], such as force or pressure plates, 3D motion analysis or observational gait scales amongst others
The items that composed Viel Coding were: attitude during gait that measures fluency; gait variability which evaluates rhythm; loss of serious balance intended for the pathological lack of coordination and balance on some neurological patients; decision about heel contact, associated with an equine or steppage gait; hip extension, related to the neurological patients who maintain a hip flexion during the step; synchrony between the upper and lower limb, which assess pelvic and scapular girdle dissociation; distance between feet on the floor that evaluates step length symmetry; and duration of double support, which studies the lack of decision to start a step[35]
We conducted a descriptive analysis of the results obtained in different measurements carried out on the Scale. This was performed for unilateral assisted gait and bilateral, each of them evaluated by two raters (A and B) at two different moments (A1, second assessment of rater A (A2), first assessment of rater B (B1) and second assessment of rater B (B2))
Summary
Thirty subjects who suffered from sprained ankle (anterior talofibular ligament first and second degree) were included in the study. A modified Delphi technique was used to obtain the content validity. The selected items were: pelvic and scapular girdle dissociation(1), deviation of Center of Gravity(2), crutch inclination(3), steps rhythm(4), symmetry of step length (5), cross support(6), simultaneous support of foot and crutch(7), forearm off(8), facing forward(9) and fluency(10). Two raters twice visualized the gait of the sample subjects which were recorded. The criterion-related validity was determined by correlation between CHAGS and Coding of eight criteria of qualitative gait analysis (Viel Coding). Internal consistency and inter and intra-rater reliability were tested
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call