The Edinburgh Visual Gait Score (EVGS) is a structured observational gait assessment used to evaluate walking patterns in children with cerebral palsy (CP) and other gait abnormalities. It systematically assesses gait deviations across multiple joints and phases of the gait cycle using video analysis. It evaluates 17 parameters across the foot, knee, pelvis, and trunk during both stance and swing phases, using a 5-point scoring system where higher scores indicate greater deviations.
Key Measures:
- Knee, hip, foot, and arm movements during walking.
- Asymmetry, joint angles, and timing of movements.
- Overall gait quality and deviations from normal walking patterns
Accessing the EVGS Protocol:
A comprehensive reference guide for the EVGS is available here:
Pros of Using the EVGS for Children:
- Comprehensive Assessment: The EVGS provides a detailed evaluation of multiple gait components, offering a thorough understanding of gait abnormalities in children with CP. mdpi.com
- Cost-Effective and Accessible: Unlike advanced gait analysis systems, the EVGS is cost-effective and can be implemented in clinical settings without specialized equipment. epag.springeropen.com
- Established Reliability: Studies have demonstrated good inter-observer and intra-observer reliability, indicating consistent results across different evaluators. researchgate.net
Cons of Using the EVGS for Children:
- Technical Requirements: Accurate video capture from both front and side views is essential, necessitating stable camera setups and close-up footage of specific areas, which may pose challenges in some clinical environments. paediatric-measures.apcp.org.uk
- Time-Consuming Analysis: Manual scoring of the EVGS can be time-consuming, requiring experienced observers to ensure accuracy. mdpi.com
- Technological Challenges: Implementing the EVGS may involve technological hurdles, such as ensuring proper video quality and managing data, which could be obstacles for some practitioners. paediatric-measures.apcp.org.uk
In summary, the EVGS is a valuable tool for assessing gait abnormalities in children, offering comprehensive insights and reliable measurements. However, practitioners should be mindful of the technical and logistical considerations to effectively implement this assessment in clinical practice.