title: Clinical gait and balance scale (GABS): validation and utilization.
abstract: Gait and Balance Scale (GABS) consists of historical information and examination of 14 different gait and balance parameters designed to assess the severity of these functional domains. Thirty-five patients with Parkinson's disease (PD), Hoehn and Yahr stages 1-3, were tested during their "off" period. GABS items were compared to quantitative data from two computerized gait analysis instruments, GAITRite and Pro Balance Master. Intra-class correlation coefficients were calculated to establish reliability. Intra-rater test-retest reliability was determined using Cohen's Kappa statistic. Concurrent validity was derived using the Spearman's rho test with the items from GABS, GAITRite and Balance Master. Intra-rater reliability was high with k>0.41 (k=kappa statistic) for 17 items, 6 had k>0.61. When performing validity measurements, a number of items on the GABS had a correlation coefficient significant at p<0.01 (2-tailed). Posture, pull test, balance during stance, single limb stance, tandem stance, turning, toe walking and functional reach had significant correlation with Balance Master data (R=0.46-1). Gait, arm swing, gait speed, steps/5 m, 'up-and-go test', modified performance oriented assessment of gait scale and provocative testing had significant correlation with the GAITRite items (R=0.51-0.83). GABS is an easy-to-use comprehensive clinical scale with high intra-rater and internal item reliability. We have shown concurrent validity with two computerized gait analysis instruments. We expect GABS to have a particular utility in clinical trials designed to modify functional impairment associated with abnormalities in gait and balance.
authors.affiliation: Parkinson's Disease Center and Movement Disorders Clinic, Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, 6550 Fannin Street no. 1801, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
authors.forename: Madhavi
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Thomas
authors.forename: Joseph
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Jankovic
authors.forename: Monthaporn
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Suteerawattananon
authors.forename: Sharmin
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Wankadia
authors.forename: Kavitha Salomi
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Caroline
authors.forename: Kevin Dat
authors.initials: KD
authors.lastname: Vuong
authors.forename: Elizabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Protas
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005684:Gait / Q000502:physiology*; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009048:Motor Skills / Q000502:physiology*; D009460:Neurologic Examination; D015588:Observer Variation; D010300:Parkinson Disease / Q000503:physiopathology*; D010808:Physical Examination; D004856:Postural Balance; D011187:Posture / Q000502:physiology*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014894:Weights and Measures