Comparing the Convergent and Concurrent Validity of the Dynamic Gait Index with the Berg Balance Scale in People with Multiple Sclerosis

摘要: Background: Recent clinical guidelines for adults with neurological disabilities suggest the need to assess measures of static and dynamic balance using Berg Balance Scale (BBS) Dynamic Gait Index (DGI) as core outcome measures. Given that BBS both balance, it was unclear whether either these instruments superior in terms its convergent concurrent validity, there value complementing DGI. Objective: The objective evaluate validity DGI by comparing performance two functional tests people multiple sclerosis (MS). Methods: Baseline cross-sectional data on 75 MS were collected use this study from 14 physical therapy clinics participating a large pragmatic cluster-randomized trial. Convergent estimates between examined partial Spearman correlations each test lower extremity (Timed Up Go (TUG), Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), Timed 25-Foot (T25FW) test) self-reported outcomes functioning general health 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). Concurrent assessed applying logistic regression gait disability binary (Patient Determined Disease Steps (PDDS) criterion measure). predictive ability models, reduced/parsimonious model including only second DGI, compared adjusted coefficient determinations. Results: Both strongly correlated overall well across PDSS strata correlations. In PDDS ≤ 2, difference convergence TUG -0.123 (95% CI: -0.280, -0.012). While finding statistically significant at type 1 error rate 0.05, not (Hommel's p-value = 0.465) after accounting testing corrections control family-wise rate. BBS⁻SF-36 correlation least moderate strata. However, DGI⁻physical score did have within 2. None differences significant. additional variation 6MWT explained when added 7.78% 0.6%, 15%). Conclusions: These exploratory analyses real-world settings neither is profoundly other validity. may any utility especially if focus mobility, but be useful goal provide insight endurance. Further research leveraging longitudinal trials quasi-experimental designs more information about usefulness BBS.