Dynamic Gait Index Assessment

The Dynamic Gait Index (DGI)

• The DGI assesses walking tasks with varying demands.
• It consists of 8 tasks, including walking on a level surface, changing speed, turning, maintaining balance, navigating obstacles, and climbing stairs.
• Each task is scored on a 4-point scale: no dysfunction (3 points), minimal impairment (2 points), moderate impairment (1 point), and severe impairment (0 points).
• The maximum score is 24 points.
• A score of 24 indicates no issues with gait, balance, or mobility.
• Scores closer to 22 indicate average performance for people in their 80s (approximately 70 years old).
• Lower scores indicate greater impairment in balance and functional mobility, increasing fall risk.
• The DGI evaluates balance, gait, and functional mobility.

Modified Dynamic Gait Index (mDGI)

• An expanded version of the DGI, including time, level of assistance (LOA), and gait pattern (GP).
• Provides a comprehensive evaluation of gait and balance.
• Time: Measures the time taken to complete tasks (scored on a 4-level scale).
• Level of Assistance (LOA): Assesses the assistance needed (scored on a 3-level scale).
  • No assistance = 2 points
  • Assistive device use (e.g., cane) = 1 point
  • Physical assistance needed = 0 points
• Gait Pattern (GP): Evaluates gait quality (scored on a 4-level scale).
  • Normal = 3 points
  • Mild impairment = 2 points
  • Moderate impairment (can recover balance independently) = 1 point
  • Severe impairment (unable to recover balance) = 0 points
• Total Score: Ranges from 0 to 64 points (higher scores indicate better performance).

Functional Gait Assessment (FGA)

• An expanded version of the DGI, designed to evaluate postural stability during various walking tasks.
• Each of the 10 tasks is scored on a 4-point scale:
  • 0 = Severe impairment
  • 1 = Moderate impairment
  • 2 = Mild impairment
  • 3 = Normal ambulation
• Total Score: Maximum score is 30 points.
• A score of 22/30 helps predict fall risk in community-dwelling older adults; scores below 22 indicate higher fall risk.
• Assesses gait, balance, and postural stability.

Modified Gait Abnormality Rating Scale (GARS-M)

• A 7-item scale designed to estimate fall risk in elderly adults, particularly those living independently or in frail conditions.
• Participant is videotaped walking on a level surface, and the gait is reviewed for 7 items.
• Each item is scored on a 4-point scale (normal = 0, mildly impaired = 1, moderately impaired = 2, severely impaired =3).
• Total score: 0-30 points.
• A score of 9 or higher indicates a higher fall risk.
• Assesses gait variability, guardedness, staggering, initial contact, hip range of motion, shoulder extension, and arm-heel strike synchrony.

تقييم مؤشر المشي الديناميكي (DGI) يوفر تحليلاً شاملاً لخطوات الحركة والتوازن. يتضمن الاختبار مجموعة من المهام التي تقيس كفاءة المشي والتوازن، وهو أمر حاسم لفهم قدرة الأفراد على الحركة بشكل آمن. كما تشمل النسخة المعدلة (mDGI) اعتبارات إضافية مثل الوقت ومستوى المساعدة.