The status of gait assessment among physiotherapists in the United Kingdom

Toro, B; Nester, CJ; Farren, PC

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate how physiotherapists are trained in and use clinically orientated gait assessment tools and instrumented gait analysis, and to identify if a need exists for a standardized methodology. DESIGN: Survey. SETTING: UK National Health Service. PARTICIPANTS: Physiotherapists working with a variety of patient groups in 210 randomly selected Health Care Trusts. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Amount of gait assessment training, frequency of gait laboratory use, types and frequency of standardized gait assessment tools used, and expressed need for a gait assessment tool in clinical practice. RESULTS: A total of 1826 (43.5%) physiotherapists responded. Management of abnormal gait constituted a major aspect of physiotherapy practice; yet, there was no systematic use of standardized gait assessment tools. Gait video images were typically collected and analyzed without the use of standardized protocols. Only 23.1% of all respondents had a patient assessed in a gait laboratory. Clinicians indicated that they need training in gait assessment (66.4%) and desire guidance at a national level. Exactly 91.8% of physiotherapists requested a new gait assessment tool that can be used easily and quickly within a busy schedule without compromising reliability and validity. CONCLUSIONS: Gait assessment plays a pivotal role for physiotherapists managing gait problems. The challenge for developers of gait assessment tools is to find a balance between the practicalities of use and scientific merit.

Citation

Toro, B., Nester, C., & Farren, P. (2003). The status of gait assessment among physiotherapists in the United Kingdom. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 84(12), 1878-1884. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0003-9993%2803%2900482-9

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Dec 1, 2003
• Deposit Date: Aug 8, 2007
• Journal: Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
• Print ISSN: 0003-9993
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 84
• Issue: 12
• Pages: 1878-1884
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0003-9993%2803%2900482-9
• Keywords: Gait, observation, outcome assessment (health care), physical therapy, questionnaires, rehabilitation
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0003-9993(03)00482-9