Identification of modified dynamic gait index cutoff scores for assessing fall risk in people with Parkinson disease, stroke and multiple sclerosis

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects on static and dynamic balance after the use of textured insoles. Method: Fifteen subjects with multiple sclerosis were evaluated before using the insoles, after using them for 1 month, and after 2 months without using, them using the following measuring instruments: the Berg Balance Scale, Dynamic Gait Index, and 10-meter Walk Test, a means of functional gait assessment. Results: Improvement was observed in the Berg Balance Scale and Dynamic Gait Index scores, walking time, number of steps and step length after using the insoles for 1 month. The improvement in Berg Balance Scale score remained after two months without the insoles and there were no changes in gait speed. Conclusion: The use of textured insoles was effective as an intervention to improve static and dynamic balance in patients with multiple sclerosis.

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A disturbed processing of graviceptive pathways may be involved in the pathophysiology of balance disorders in patients with multiple sclerosis

Arquivos de Neuro-Psiquiatria ◽

10.1590/0004-282x20160004 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 74 (2) ◽

pp. 106-111 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Bruna Antinori Vignola da Fonseca ◽

Cristiana Borges Pereira ◽

Frederico Jorge ◽

Renata Simm ◽

Samira Apostolos-Pereira ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Balance Disorders ◽

Visual Vertical ◽

Perception Of Verticality ◽

Risk Of Fall ◽

Multiple Sclerosis Patients ◽

Dynamic Gait Index ◽

Dynamic Gait ◽

The Relationship ◽

Gait Index

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between perception of verticality and balance disorders in multiple sclerosis patients. We evaluated patients and healthy controls. Patients were divided into two groups according to their risk of fall, with or without risk of fall, measured by a Dynamic Gait Index scale. Graviceptive perception was assessed using the subjective visual vertical test. Patients with risk of fall showed worse perception than those without risk of fall, p < 0.001. Misperception of verticality was correlated with the dynamic gait index scores (p < 0.001), suggesting that the larger the error for verticality judgment, the greater risk for falling. Considering that the perception of verticality is essential for postural control, our results suggested that the disturbed processing of graviceptive pathways may be involved in the pathophysiology of balance disorders in these patients.

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Huang S-L, Hsieh C-L, Wu R-M, et al. Minimal detectable change of the Timed “Up & Go” Test and the Dynamic Gait Index in people with Parkinson disease. Phys Ther. 2011;91:114–121.

Physical Therapy ◽

10.2522/ptj.20090126.cx ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 94 (7) ◽

pp. 1056-1056

Keyword(s):

Parkinson Disease ◽

Minimal Detectable Change ◽

Detectable Change ◽

Dynamic Gait Index ◽

Dynamic Gait ◽

Gait Index

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Reliability of the Dynamic Gait Index in individuals with multiple sclerosis

Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation ◽

10.1016/j.apmr.2003.11.033 ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 86 (1) ◽

pp. 130-133 ◽

Cited By ~ 88

Author(s):

Jennifer McConvey ◽

Susan E. Bennett

Keyword(s):

Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Dynamic Gait Index ◽

Dynamic Gait ◽

Gait Index

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The sensitivity and specificity of the Timed "Up & Go" and the dynamic gait index for self-reported falls in persons with vestibular disorders

Journal of Vestibular Research ◽

10.3233/ves-2004-14506 ◽

2004 ◽

Vol 14 (5) ◽

pp. 397-409 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Susan L. Whitney ◽

Gregory F. Marchetti ◽

Annika Schade ◽

Diane M. Wrisley

Keyword(s):

Physical Therapy ◽

Sensitivity And Specificity ◽

Fall Risk ◽

Vestibular Dysfunction ◽

Initial Assessment ◽

Vestibular Disorders ◽

Patient Chart ◽

Dynamic Gait Index ◽

Dynamic Gait ◽

Gait Index

The purpose of this study was to determine the sensitivity and specificity of the Timed "Up & Go" (TUG) and Dynamic Gait Index in identifying self-reported fallers among persons with vestibular dysfunction. One hundred three patient charts were included from a tertiary vestibular physical therapy practice. The patients ranged in age from 14–90 years and had vestibular diagnoses, falls reported in the patient chart, and completed the TUG and/or the Dynamic Gait Index (DGI). Thirty-one persons reported falling one or more times in the previous 6 months during their initial assessment. Persons who took longer than 13.5 seconds to perform the TUG test were 3.7 times more likely to have reported a fall in the previous 6 months. Those persons with scores less than or equal to 18 on the DGI were 2.7 times (p = 0.03) more likely to have reported a fall in the previous 6 months. The sensitivity of the DGI at 18 or less was 70% and the specificity was 51%. People who scored greater than 11.1 seconds on the TUG were 5times (p = 0.001) more likely to have reported a fall in the previous 6 months. Sensitivity (80%) and specificity (56%) were calculated for TUG scores of greater than 11.1 seconds. The TUG and the DGI appear to be helpful in identifying fall risk in persons with vestibular dysfunction. Slower scores on the TUG (> 11.1 seconds) and lower scores on the DGI (18) correlated with reports of falls in persons with vestibular dysfunction.

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