Assessment Overview

Purpose: The Dynamic Gait Index (DGI) is an outcome measure used to assess an individual’s ability to perform various tasks while walking.

Summary: There are 8 tasks on the DGI, and each is scored on a scale from 0-3, with a maximum score of 24 possible. Tasks include walking with changing speeds, head turns, pivoting, stepping over and around obstacles, and using stairs. This test is appropriate for use in ambulatory and higher functioning individuals.

Equipment: Shoe box, two obstacles, stairs, 20 foot pathway, stopwatch

ICF Category: Activity

Assessment Handout

Assessment Psychometrics

According to the ICF model, this outcome measure assesses activity level limitations such as gait and balance. Neuro PT EDGE recommends (¾) this test in all settings for individuals with MS. There is still a lack of responsiveness in the literature for individuals with MS and their scores on the DGI. This test is also recommended (¾) for those with a disability level of 0.0-3.5 and 4.0-5.5. At higher levels of disability, patients are not able to perform these challenging tasks. Students should learn to administer this test in individuals with MS, and this test has been validated for use in research. The information available is presented in the list below.

• Concurrent Validity: Significant correlation with the Deambulation index (rho=-0.80); Berg Balance Scale (rho=0.78); Timed Up and Go (rho=0.54)

• Cutoff Score: <19/24 can be a good predictor of falls in the MS population

• Interrater Reliability: ICC=0.98, p<0.05; ICC=0.85

• Intrarater Reliability: r=0.76-0.99, p<0.05

• Test-retest Reliability: ICC=0.85 in ambulatory individuals with MS

Instructional Video

Application Video