Reliability of Visual Classifi cation of Sagittal Gait Patterns in Patients with Bilateral Spastic Cerebral Palsy

Objective To investigate the reliability of inspection-based classifi cation of sagittal gait patterns in children with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy (CP). Method Video clip recordings of gait patterns and sagittal kinematic data obtained by a computerized motion analysis system from 91 patients with bilateral spastic CP were reviewed. The abnormal gait patterns were classifi ed into 4 groups using the method described by Rodda et al. Visual observation-based classifi cation (visual classifi cation) was compared with classifi cation by 3D analysis-based methods (3D classifi cation). The reliabilities of visual classifi cations made by an experienced physician and a trainee physician were analyzed. Results The consistency of inspection-based gait classifi cation using kinematic data analysis was demonstrated by an experienced physician (Kappa coeffi cient (k)=0.67, p