Abstract
BackgroundInstrumented gait analysis is an established procedure in biomechanical assessment, requiring specially-trained analysts to interpret the complex graphical output generated. Research questionDoes a new method of visual representation of lower limb kinematic gait analysis data provide a reliable and valid method of interpretation of biomechanical data for healthcare professionals? MethodsAn innovative system based on the Traffic Lights System (TLS) was developed. Simulated abnormal gait was captured using a 16-camera optoelectronic motion capture system, and the results were presented in both the Traditional Graphical System (TGS) format and the new TLS. An online form was filled by health professionals who attempted to interpret normal and abnormal motion in the joints presented in the 2 output formats. ResultsOut of 26 raters, 18 preferred the new system because of its user-friendliness and its ease of interpretation. 2 raters preferred the TGS, with one of these raters clarifying that the preference is due to colour blindness. For intra-rater reliability, 2 trained raters provided a second response for the TGS (Cronbach’s Alpha ranging between 0.733 and 0.918), whilst the TLS resulted in Cronbach’s Alpha between 0.817 and 1.00 amongst 3 untrained raters. The Fleiss Multi-rater Kappa Test demonstrated low inter-rater reliability amongst raters in the TGS, whereas the overall Fleiss Multi-rater Kappa values of the TLS surpassed the TGS in all 3 studies. SignificanceThis study showed that whilst trained health professionals have high intra-rater reliability in interpreting traditional gait analysis results, those professionals inexperienced in the system, do not always comprehend the complex graphs generated by the system when presenting gait analysis data. When these graphs are transformed into coloured outputs representing the extent of the movement, the TLS has demonstrated high validity and high intra- and inter-rater reliability, significantly exceeding those of the TGS, especially in untrained health professionals.
Published Version
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 callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
