This section provides information on assessment forms for clinical gait analysis
The purpose of the Gait Assessment And Intervention Toolbox (G.A.I.T.) Form is to make observational gait analysis EASY. Observing someone’s gait and identifying deviations is a daunting task because all joints are moving simultaneously and the movement occurs at a rapid pace. Moreover, identification of a deviation requires knowledge of all deviations that can possibly occur at that joint. Due to the complexity of this process, several deviations are missed and all deviations are not identified by the observer. This form can help identify all the deviations by removing the guess work associated with gait analysis. Since the form provides a list of all possible deviations for the particular joint at each gait interval, the user simply has to select the observed deviation from a narrow set of options. The G.A.I.T. form thus breaks down a complex gait cycle into a series of easily identifiable deviations, which improves accuracy and ease of observation gait analysis.
The data fields of “Patient ID”; “Age”; “Diagnosis” and “Assessment Date” appear at the top of the form and can be left blank, if desired. The field of “Observed Side” should be completed to note which side was analyzed. It is strongly recommended to include on the form any walking aid that was used, such as a cane, crutches, etc.
The gait deviations table consists of 4 rows which list the different intervals of gait, i.e. IDS, SS etc. The columns list 6 different joints and body segments. Each cell (i.e. the intersection of a row and column) identifies the deviation occurring at the specific joint and interval. E.g. the cell at the intersection of “Knee” column and “Swing” row identifies the deviations observed at the knee joint during the Swing interval. This cell lists all the possible deviations that can be expected at the knee during this interval. While each cell provides a comprehensive list of deviations that would be observed in the vast majority of patients, there could be an occasional deviation that is not present in the cell. When observing a patient’s gait, the deviations in the appropriate cells are checked, if the deviation is present. If no deviation is observed at a joint or during an interval, no deviation is checked.
The 4 boxes below the table show the various temporal and spatial gait parameters. Step length and Stance Time are evaluated for symmetry between the left and right sides. In case of asymmetry between the two sides, the appropriate box (Right > Left or Left < Right) should be selected. The box for step width indicates “Narrow” step or a “Wide” step, while the “Toe Angle” box should be selected in case of a “Toe in” or “Toe Out” gait pattern.
The “Intervention Focus” box identifies the areas that should be addressed during the intervention for improving gait. This box follows the “B.E.E.P.S.” rule.
The purpose of the Quick G.A.I.T. Form is to document gait deviations relatively quickly. In contrast to the Comprehensive G.A.I.T. Form, the Quick assessment divides the gait cycle into 2 Phases, i.e. the Stance Phase and the Swing Phase. This form further lists the deviations at each joint/segment that are commonly observed during the Stance and Swing phases.
The data fields of “Patient ID”; “Age”; “Diagnosis” and “Assessment Date” appear at the top of the form and can be left blank, if desired. The field of “Observed Side” should be completed to note which side was analyzed. It is strongly recommended to include on the form any walking aid that was used, such as a cane, crutches, etc.
The gait deviations table consists of 2 rows which list the 2 phases (i.e. Stance and Swing) and 6 columns that list the different lower limb joints and segments. Each cell (i.e. the intersection of a row and column) identifies the deviation occurring at the specific joint and interval. E.g. the cell at the intersection of “Knee” column and “Stance” row identifies the deviations observed at the knee joint during the Stance phase. This cell lists all the possible deviations that can be expected at the knee during this interval. While each cell provides a comprehensive list of deviations that would be observed in the vast majority of patients, there could be an occasional deviation that is not present in the cell. When observing a patient’s gait, the deviations in the appropriate cells are checked, if the deviation is present. If no deviation is observed at a joint or during an interval, no deviation is checked.
The 4 boxes below the table show the various temporal and spatial gait parameters. Step length and Stance Time are evaluated for symmetry between the left and right sides. In case of asymmetry between the two sides, the appropriate box (Right > Left or Left < Right) should be selected. The box for step width indicates “Narrow” step or a “Wide” step, while the “Toe Angle” box should be selected in case of a “Toe in” or “Toe Out” gait pattern.
The “Intervention Focus” box identifies the areas that should be addressed during the intervention for improving gait. This box follows the “B.E.E.P.S.” rule.