Validity of self-reporting of gait alteration after tap test among patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus

PurposeThe study aimed to examine the validity of self-reporting as an additional method to indicate gait alteration among patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus. The score from self-reporting of gait alteration was validated with the data obtained from gait pressure measuring plate. In addition, temporo-spatial gait parameters among 3 groups classified by overall gait improvement (no change, slight, and good) were compared.MethodsThis study employed a cross-sectional design and investigated 31 patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus. Gait performance was determined by a gait pressure measuring plate before and 24 hours after a tap test. Patients rated the changed score for gait behaviours using a questionnaire once on the day after the tap test. Criterion validity of the changed scores from patients’ self-reporting and data from the gait pressure measuring plate was examined. In addition, temporo-spatial gait parameters were compared among 3 groups with one-way analysis of variance and the Bonferroni posthoc test to determine pairwise difference.ResultsSignificant correlations were found for the temporo-spatial gait parameters between data from self-reporting and the gait pressure measuring plate. Comparisons of temporo-spatial gait parameters among groups demonstrated significant differences in all parameters.ConclusionsGait alteration identified by self-reporting was valid with gait performance measured by the gait pressure measuring plate. To achieve timely and appropriate medical management, we recommend health care professionals to request patients and caregivers to recognize gait alterations in assisting the disease progression identification.