What does the Functional Gait Assessment measure?

The Functional Gait Assessment specifically measures dynamic stability while walking. This assessment is designed to evaluate a person's ability to maintain stability and balance during various walking-related tasks, including walking straight, changing direction, and negotiating obstacles. It includes different components that simulate real-world challenges to assess how well an individual can adapt their gait and maintain balance under different conditions.

By focusing on these dynamic aspects of gait, the assessment helps identify potential safety risks in walking and can be essential for guiding rehabilitation strategies in individuals, particularly those recovering from neurological impairments such as stroke. The results can inform clinicians about the patient's functional capabilities and balance, which is crucial for developing targeted interventions and enhancing mobility.