Date of Award

Winter 1998

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Physical Therapy & Athletic Training

Program/Concentration

Physical Therapy

Committee Director

Martha L. Walker

Committee Member

John L. Echternach

Committee Member

Barry Strasnick

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.

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DOI

10.25777/b8p0-3v63

ISBN

9780599208650

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