4-item Dynamic Gait Index
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Objective[edit | edit source]
The purpose of this measure is to test the psychometric properties of a short form of the Dynamic Gait Index (DGI) for the clinical measurement of walking function in people with balance and vestibular disorders.
Intended Population[edit | edit source]
People with balance and vestibular disorders having difficulty walking.
This test was specifically constructed to be administered without using any equipment (cf. DGI requires cones etc.).
Test[edit | edit source]
4 items were selected for the reduced-item DGI:
- horizontal head turns
- vertical head turns
- gait on level surfaces
- changes in gait speed
Scoring[edit | edit source]
With regard to the use of the 4-item DGI as a screening tool for falls, the higher specificity of the 4-item DGI suggests that a closer evaluation of fall risk factors is indicated if an individual has a score of less than 10 of 12.
Original Reference[edit | edit source]
Marchetti GF, Whitney SL. Construction and validation of the 4-item dynamic gait index. Physical Therapy, 2006 Dec;86(12):1651-60.[1]
Evidence[edit | edit source]
The clinical psychometric properties of the 4-item DGI were equivalent or superior to those of the 8-item test. The 4-item DGI can be used by clinicians to measure gait in people with balance and vestibular disorders without compromising important clinical measurement characteristics[1].
Reliability[edit | edit source]
Validity[edit | edit source]
Miscellaneous[edit | edit source]
Dynamic Gait Index, the 4-item Dynamic Gait Index, and the Functional Gait Assessment show sufficient validity, responsiveness, and reliability for assessment of walking function in patients with stroke undergoing rehabilitation, but the Functional Gait Assessment is recommended for its psychometric properties[2].
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Marchetti GF, Whitney SL. Construction and validation of the 4-item dynamic gait index. Physical Therapy, 2006 Dec;86(12):1651-60.
- ↑ Lin JH, Hsu MJ, Hsu HW, Wu HC, Hsieh CL. Psychometric Comparisons of 3 Functional Ambulation Measures for Patients With Stroke. Stroke. 2010 Jul 29; online article ahead of print
