Validation of the instrumented evaluation of spatio-temporal gait parameters in patients with motor incomplete spinal cord injury.

STUDY DESIGN: Observational, descriptive, transversal.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the validity and reliability of spatio-temporal gait parameters measured by GaitRite in motor incomplete spinal cord-injured (SCI) patients.

SETTING: National Institute of Rehabilitation, Mexico city.

METHODS: 23 motor subacute and chronic incomplete SCI American Spinal Cord Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS) D subjects were measured. The 10-meter walking test (10 MWT), 6-minute walking test (6 MWT), Walking Index for Spinal Cord Injury II (WISCI-II), Spinal Cord Independence Measure III (SCIM-III) and the GaitRite evaluation were carried out concurrently in order to determine validity. The 10 MWT and GaitRite evaluation were performed at different occasions in order to determine test-retest reliability.

RESULTS: GaitRite offers a valid and reliable way to measure the mobility, symmetry and stability characteristics of gait SCI subjects. GaitRite precision and sensitivity is approximately three times better than clinical tests. Clinical tests cannot address the stability properties of gait. Subjects' higher gait velocity is related to more independence (SCIM-III), lower use of walking aids (WISCI-II), better performance in lower extremities motor score (LEMS) and better gait's mobility.

CONCLUSIONS: Spatio-temporal gait parameters measured by GaitRite are both valid and reliable. Further studies are necessary to establish sensitivity of the instrument.