Dynamic Gait Index

Assessment Overview

Purpose: The Dynamic Gait Index (DGI) is an outcome measure used to assess an individual’s ability to perform changing task demands 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

DGI.doc

Assessment Psychometrics

There are no recommendations for use of the DGI with patients after a brain injury with an ambulatory status of completely independent, mildly dependent, or moderately dependent. The DGI is not recommended for use in patients who are severely dependent. There is not evidence to recommend the use of the DGI in acute care, inpatient rehabilitation, skilled nursing facilities, outpatient rehabilitation, or home health settings. Students should learn to administer the DGI but it is not appropriate for use in intervention research studies. The psychometrics for this measure are listed below:

Concurrent Validity: Excellent with 6.1m timed walked test (r=-0.81)
Criterion Validity: 0/24 indicates a 100% chance of falling, 19/24 indicates a 28% chance of falling, 24/24 indicates a 6% chance of falling
Cutoff Score: >7 indicated permanent CSF diverting shunt surgery

Instructional Video

DGI Instructions.mp4

Application Video

DGI Scoring TBI.mp4

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