The sensitivity, specificity and reliability of the GALS (gait, arms, legs and spine) examination when used by physiotherapists and physiotherapy students to detect rheumatoid arthritis

摘要: Abstract Objective To evaluate the sensitivity, specificity and reliability of gait, arms, legs spine (GALS) examination to detect signs symptoms rheumatoid arthritis when used by physiotherapy students physiotherapists. Methods Two two physiotherapists were trained perform GALS viewing an instructional DVD attending a workshop. rheumatologists familiar with also participated in All healthcare professionals performed on 25 participants recruited through rheumatology practice 23 without any arthritides from primary care centre. Each participant was assessed one rheumatologist, physiotherapist student. Abnormalities spine, including their location description, recorded, along whether or not diagnosis suspected. Healthcare understood study's objective be agreement findings unaware that half had arthritis. Sensitivity, likelihood ratios calculated determine ability screen for Results Using rheumatologists’ study day as standard comparison, sensitivity 71 86% 69 93%, respectively. Positive ranged 2.74 10.18, while negative 0.21 0.38. Conclusions The may useful tool rule out direct access setting. Differences duration type experience each professional contribute variation results. merits introducing into curricula should explored.