Gait Screening

Printable Versions of Materials needed to create station:

• Gait Assessment Preceptor Guide
• Get-up and Go Test
• 'Students' Gait Observation Record

Gait Assessment/Get-Up-And-Go

To transition into a discussion of gait assessment, the facilitator hands each student a sheet of paper numbered 1-5 and ask the students to write down the 5 components of gait that are to be assessed. We have found it helpful if the facilitator walks back and forth near the students and asks them to look at the walk and decide how to describe a normal gait. We have found that the students struggle with this exercise and the answers vary widely. However, as the students each share their answers with the group, the 5 components are usually mentioned and are emphasized by the facilitator.

1. Arm swing
2. Balance
3. Stride length
4. Stance
5. Posture

Next, the students are asked to break up in pairs. They are provided with a card that has the instructions for the Get-Up-And-Go test on it. They are asked to take turns instructing each other on this assessment. After each student has had an opportunity to perform a Get-Up-And-Go test, the facilitator points out how this assessment tool can be used to evaluate all 5 components of gait. Stand up (balance, also lower extremity strength), walk (arm swing, stride length, stance, posture), turn (balance), walk (arm swing, stride length, stance, posture), turn (balance), sit (balance, lower extremity strength).
If time allows, the facilitator can demonstrate a Romberg Test and a Righting Reflex and then ask the students to practice each test on each other.

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