Journal of Bioengineering & Biomedical Science

Intra- and Inter- Rater Reliability Measurements of Kinematic and Temporo-Spatial Parameters of Gait Using a Simple Video Technique

Abstract

U. Chris Ugbolue, Enrica Papi, Andrew Kerr, Leo Earl, Valerie M. Pomeroy and Philip J. Rowe

A simple and cost effective technique of video gait analysis applicable within rehabilitation clinics and clinical gait laboratories has been developed. The purpose of this study was to determine intra- and inter- rater reliability of kinematic and temporo-spatial gait parameters measured using the commercially available ProTrainer system (Sports Motion Inc®, Cardiff, CA) software, a printed vinyl walk mat and a video camera. Twelve healthy adults, four stroke patients and three raters participated in the study. The experimental setup comprised the walk mat, paper ‘bulls-eye’ markers, four photoswitches mounted on tripods, a light indicator, video camera, and a computer with the software. Participants performed three gait trials each up and down the walk mat. Three raters evaluated the results using the ProTrainer system (Sports Motion Inc®, Cardiff, CA) software. Values were extracted for kinematic and temporo- spatial gait measurements. Data were analysed using Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) for intra-rater reliability to calculate ICC values with 95% Confidence Intervals. Cronbach’s coefficient alpha was used to quantify the intra-rater reliability. The ICC values for both intra and inter-rater reliability ranged between 0.731 and 1.000. The results suggest this gait measurement technique is simple, reliable, effective and easy to implement as a gait outcome measuring system.