Use of the Gait Profile Score for the Quantification of Gait Pattern in Down Syndrome

Abstract

Gait Analysis can characterize alterations in walking patterns, but results in a considerable amount of data that requires complex interpretation. The literature proposes some global indexes that represent the deviation of pathological gait from healthy gait pattern. In this study, the Gait Profile Score (GPS) and the Gait Variable Scores (GVSs) were selected among the summary indexes for describing gait pattern of individuals with Down Syndrome (DS). Twenty-four participants with DS and 15 healthy individuals took part in this study. From their gait analysis data, the GPS and the GVSs were computed. The Mann-Whitney U test compared data of DS group and control group (p < 0.05). In participants with DS, the GPS presented global statistical difference in the gait pattern in comparison with the control group (p < 0.05). Moreover, all the GVSs pointed out statistical differences (p < 0.05), displaying abnormal gait pattern at all lower limb joints. In this study, the GPS and GVSs revealed to be suitable in detecting the typical features of gait pattern of DS participants. Thus, the GPS seems to have validity as a summary measure of functional limitation during walking in DS individuals.