Dynamic Gait Index (DGI)

Authors

Affiliations

Nate Yomogida, PT, DPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

B.S. in Kinesiology

Chloë Kerstein, PT, DPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

B.A. in Neuroscience

The DGI has become outdated and replaced by its improved successor the Functional Gait Assessment (FGA)

Form

• ~15 minutes
• Scored 0-3 with a max score of 24points
• Higher score is better

1 Level Gait

Instructions: Walk at your normal speed from here to the next mark (20’)

Grade	Level	Criteria
3	Normal	Walks 20’ unassisted at a good speed, with a normal gait pattern, and no imbalance
2	Mild	Walks 20’, uses assistive devices, slower speed, mild gait deviations
1	Moderate	Walks 20’, slow speed, abnormal gait pattern, evidence for imbalance
0	Severe	Cannot walk 20’ without assistance, severe gait deviations or imbalance

Mark the lowest category that applies

2 Change in Gait speed

3 Gait with Horizontal head turns

4 Gait with Vertical Head Turns

5 Gait to Pivot Turn

6 Step over obstacle

7 Step Around Obstacle

8 Stairs

Interpretation

• ≤ 19/24 → Fall risk in elderly
• > 22/24 → Safe ambulator

Similar Tests

Note

It should be noted that the DGI does not assess backwards walking

• FGA:
  • Backwards walking
  • EC
• Mini-Best test
  • EC