Year: 2019
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to examine the inter-rater and intra-rater reliability of the Dynamic Gait Index (DGI) when used with patients with vestibular disorders. Subjects included 30 patients aged 27-88 years, with vestibular disorders, who were referred for vestibular rehabilitation. Subjects' performance on the DGI was concurrently rated by two physical therapists experienced in vestibular rehabilitation to determine inter-rater reliability. To determine intra-rater reliability each subject repeated the DGI one-hour later. Percent agreement and kappa statistics were calculated for individual DGI items. Kappa statistics for individual items were averaged to yield a composite kappa score of the DGI. Total DGI scores were evaluated for inter-rater and intra-rater reliability using Spearman rank order correlation coefficient. Inter-rater reliability of individual DGI items varied from poor to excellent based on kappa values. Composite kappa values demonstrated good overall inter-rater reliability of total DGI scores. Spearman Rho demonstrated excellent correlation between total DGI scores of both raters. Intra-rater reliability of individual items varied from fair to excellent based on kappa values. Composite kappa values demonstrated good overall intra-rater reliability of DGI. Fair but significant correlation was demonstrated between total DGI scores using Spearman Rho. It was concluded that the Dynamic Gait Index demonstrated only fair inter- and intra-rater reliability when used with subjects with vestibular disorders.
DOI: 10.25777/b8p0-3v63
Author: Wrisley, Diane M.
Institution: Old Dominion University
Language: English
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W3196104373