Functional Gait Assessment (FGA) Calculator
A clinical tool used to assess postural stability during walking.
1. Gait Level Surface
3 – Normal
2 – Mild Impairment
1 – Moderate Impairment
0 – Severe Impairment
2. Change in Gait Speed
3 – Normal
2 – Mild Impairment
1 – Moderate Impairment
0 – Severe Impairment
3. Gait with Horizontal Head Turns
3 – Normal
2 – Mild Impairment
1 – Moderate Impairment
0 – Severe Impairment
4. Gait with Vertical Head Turns
3 – Normal
2 – Mild Impairment
1 – Moderate Impairment
0 – Severe Impairment
5. Gait and Pivot Turn
3 – Normal
2 – Mild Impairment
1 – Moderate Impairment
0 – Severe Impairment
6. Step Over Obstacle
3 – Normal
2 – Mild Impairment
1 – Moderate Impairment
0 – Severe Impairment
7. Gait with Narrow Base of Support
3 – Normal
2 – Mild Impairment
1 – Moderate Impairment
0 – Severe Impairment
8. Gait with Eyes Closed
3 – Normal
2 – Mild Impairment
1 – Moderate Impairment
0 – Severe Impairment
9. Ambulating Backwards
3 – Normal
2 – Mild Impairment
1 – Moderate Impairment
0 – Severe Impairment
10. Steps
3 – Normal
2 – Mild Impairment
1 – Moderate Impairment
0 – Severe Impairment
TOTAL SCORE:
0/30
What is the Functional Gait Assessment (FGA)?
The Functional Gait Assessment (FGA) is a clinical tool modified from the Dynamic Gait Index (DGI) to improve reliability and reduce the "ceiling effect" often seen in gait testing. It is primarily used by physical therapists to evaluate balance and stability during various walking tasks. The assessment consists of 10 items, each scored from 0 (severe impairment) to 3 (normal), for a maximum score of 30.
Scoring and Clinical Significance
A higher score indicates better balance and lower fall risk. Research has established specific cut-off scores for different patient populations:
- Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A score of 22/30 or lower is predictive of falls and indicates a higher risk for future falling incidents.
- Parkinson's Disease: A score of 15/30 or lower is often used as a threshold for identifying fallers in patients with PD.
- Vestibular Disorders: The FGA is highly effective in detecting balance deficits that other tests might miss in patients with vestibular dysfunction.
Example Scenario
Imagine a 72-year-old patient who performs the assessment. They score '3' on level surfaces and gait speed changes, but struggle significantly with 'Gait with eyes closed' (scoring 1) and 'Ambulating backwards' (scoring 1). If their total sum ends up being 20/30, they fall below the 22/30 threshold, indicating a clinical need for balance training and fall prevention strategies.
Comparison Table: FGA vs DGI
| Feature | Functional Gait Assessment (FGA) | Dynamic Gait Index (DGI) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Items | 10 | 8 |
| Max Score | 30 | 24 |
| Added Tasks | Gait with narrow base, eyes closed, backwards | None |
| Target Population | Older adults, Vestibular, PD, Stroke | Mainly Geriatric |