Accuracy and reliability of observational gait analysis data: Judgments of push-off in gait after stroke

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Physical therapists routinely observe gait in clinical practice. The purpose of this study was to determine the accuracy and reliability of observational assessments of push-off in gait after stroke. SUBJECTS: Eighteen physical therapists and 11 subjects with hemiplegia following a stroke participated in the study. METHODS: Measurements of ankle power generation were obtained from subjects following stroke using a gait analysis system. Concurrent videotaped gait performances were observed by the physical therapists on 2 occasions. Ankle power generation at push-off was scored as either normal or abnormal using two 11-point rating scales. These observational ratings we..