Accuracy and reliability of observational gait analysis data: Jugments 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. Method. 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 wer..