Use of Functional Ambulation Performance Score as measurement of gait ability: Review

Arnaud Gouelle
The Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development (Impact Factor: 1.78). 09/2014; 51(5):665-674. DOI: 10.1682/JRRD.2013.09.0198

Gait analysis systems are widely used for the assessment of gait disabilities and provide more accurate and detailed information than clinical tests. Scores and indexes have been proposed to summarize the large volume of data produced, each emphasizing different aspects of gait. Based on specific spatiotemporal gait parameters, the Functional Ambulation Performance Score (FAPS) quantifies gait at a self-selected speed. Integrated within electronic walkways, the FAPS is commonly used for clinical evaluations and has been used in an increasing number of publications over the past few years. However, its use is sometimes distorted by misunderstandings of its composition and calculation, practical and/or conceptual limits, and even the meaning of the score. This technical report reviews the use of the FAPS for the evaluation of gait based on peer-reviewed articles and clinical experience and addresses important issues that must be considered for an optimal unbiased understanding and analysis of the score.

Arnaud GOUELLE

Au sujet de l'auteur

Arnaud GOUELLE
Associate Professor at Laboratory Performance, Santé, Métrologie, Société (EA 7507), UFR STAPS Reims (France) ; Philosophiæ Doctor in Sport Sciences, Motor Control and Human Movement. Qualification in sections 74 (Sports Sciences) and 91 (Physical Rehabilitation Sciences). Main research interest in clinical gait/motion analysis and in gymnastics performance. ResearchGate profile @ https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Arnaud_Gouelle