Accuracy of Clinical Observations of Push-Off During Gait After Stroke

McGinley JL, Morris ME, Greenwood KM, Goldie PA, Olney SJ. Accuracy of clinical observations of push-off during gait after stroke.ObjectiveTo determine the accuracy (criterion-related validity) of real-time clinical observations of push-off in gait after stroke.DesignCriterion-related validity study of gait observations.SettingRehabilitation hospital in Australia.ParticipantsEleven participants with stroke and 8 treating physical therapists.InterventionsNot applicable.Main Outcome MeasuresPearson product-moment correlation between physical therapists’ observations of push-off during gait and criterion measures of peak ankle power generation from a 3-dimensional motion analysis system.ResultsA high correlation was obtained between the observational ratings and the measurements of peak ankle power generation (Pearson r=.98). The standard error of estimation of ankle power generation was .32W/kg.ConclusionsPhysical therapists can make accurate real-time clinical observations of push-off during gait following stroke.