Validity of the Gait Deviation Index in children and adolescents with juvenile idiopathic arthritis

Effectiveness of the Gait Deviation Index (GDI) in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the validity of the GDI as an outcome measure of gait disturbance children with JIA.

Fifty children and adolescents with JIA were included into the study. The control group included 50 healthy children without gait disorders, matched for age and gender. The kinematic gait parameters were measured using a 3D movement analysis system. Walking speed, walking distance, cadence, step length and single support time were also evaluated.

The findings show a statistically significant difference between the values of GDI for the right leg in the study group and the controls ( p = 0.036). The individuals included in the study group achieved significantly lower values in this parameter (mean 94.92 ± 8.38 vs. mean 100.00 ± 10.00). The GDI value for right and left leg and the mean GDI value showed low (0.3 ≤ |R| <0.5, p <0.005) to moderate (0.5 ≤ |R| <0.7, p<0.001) correlations with the other gait parameters and measures.

The GDI scores were lower in individuals with JIA compared to controls. This difference in the GDI values was only significant for the right leg. The GDI values showed low to moderate correlations with other gait parameters.