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Related Experiment Videos

Clinical gait and balance scale (GABS): validation and utilization.

Madhavi Thomas1, Joseph Jankovic, Monthaporn Suteerawattananon

  • 1Parkinson's Disease Center and Movement Disorders Clinic, Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, 6550 Fannin Street no. 1801, Houston, TX 77030, USA.

Journal of the Neurological Sciences
|December 17, 2003
PubMed
Summary

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The Gait and Balance Scale (GABS) is a reliable clinical tool for assessing Parkinson's disease (PD) functional impairment. It shows high validity when compared to computerized gait analysis systems.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Movement Disorders
  • Clinical Assessment Tools

Background:

  • Parkinson's disease (PD) significantly impacts gait and balance, affecting functional independence.
  • Accurate assessment of gait and balance impairments is crucial for managing PD progression and treatment efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the reliability and validity of the Gait and Balance Scale (GABS) in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD).
  • To compare GABS performance against established computerized gait analysis instruments.

Main Methods:

  • The study involved 35 PD patients (Hoehn and Yahr stages 1-3) assessed during their "off" medication period.
  • GABS was administered alongside data collection from GAITRite and Pro Balance Master computerized systems.
  • Reliability was assessed using intra-class correlation coefficients and Cohen's Kappa; validity was determined using Spearman's rho correlation.

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Main Results:

  • GABS demonstrated high intra-rater reliability, with 17 items showing Kappa (k) > 0.41 and 6 items with k > 0.61.
  • Significant correlations (p<0.01) were found between GABS items and both Balance Master (R=0.46-1) and GAITRite (R=0.51-0.83) data.
  • Specific GABS parameters like posture, pull test, and gait speed showed strong concurrent validity with the computerized measures.

Conclusions:

  • The Gait and Balance Scale (GABS) is a user-friendly, comprehensive clinical scale with excellent intra-rater and internal item reliability.
  • GABS exhibits concurrent validity, correlating well with objective computerized gait and balance analysis tools.
  • GABS is anticipated to be valuable in clinical trials targeting functional improvements in gait and balance abnormalities in PD.