Article ID: 202422
Objective: Exploratory factor analysis and hypothesis testing, following the COSMIN methodology, were conducted to assess the utility of different components of observational gait assessment in identifying gait abnormalities in female patients after hip osteoarthritis surgery.
Methods: Walking videos of 21 postoperative female patients were evaluated by three independent observers. Representative scores from each observer were used for exploratory factor analysis. Hypothesis testing was conducted by examining the correlations between the total observational gait assessment scores and individual scores on the 10-meter walk test (10MWT), timed up and go (TUG) test, and 6-minute walk test (6MWT).
Results: Factor analysis identified two primary factors. The first factor included the trunk tilt angle at mid-stance, pelvic tilt and hip adduction angles, and the stance time difference between the left and right leg. The second factor comprised the ankle joint angle at heel contact and the hip extension angle at heel-off. Higher total gait assessment scores were associated with slower performance on the 10MWT and TUG.
Conclusion: The identified components of the observational gait assessment met the criteria for structural validity and hypothesis testing. These findings suggest that deviations from normal gait following hip osteoarthritis surgery can be effectively quantified based on the presence and severity of postural abnormalities through observational gait assessment.
