Accuracy, reliability, and validity of a spatiotemporal gait analysis system

BackgroundMaking evidence-based decisions in the clinical management of gait dysfunction requires the ability to measure spatiotemporal gait variables validly and reliably. This study examined the accuracy, reliability, and validity of a clinical gait analysis system that is relatively inexpensive and portable, the GaitMat II (GM).MethodsThe trustworthiness of measures taken with the GM was investigated by comparing the placement of the switches on three different GM systems. Measures taken with the GM system were compared with the same measures taken simultaneously with the Vicon motion analysis system, using a repetitive dynamic signal presented to both systems.FindingsVariability was present in the placement of switches on the surfaces of different GM systems. The variability in switch placement was much less than the normal variability of most gait variables measured with the GM. Excellent agreement was found between the GM and Vicon systems for timing variables but poor agreement was found for distance variables. The mean difference between the GM and Vicon measures for distance variables would have little clinical significance in adults for distance measures such as step length or stride length.ConclusionThe results of these studies support the reliability and validity of the GaitMat II as a clinical gait analysis tool.