Rivermead Visual Gait Assessment (RVGA) is a 20-item observational scale used to quantify gait deviations in patients with neurological deficits, particularly after a stroke. It uses a 4-point scale (0–3) for each item, where a score of 0 represents "normal" and 3 represents "grossly abnormal," leading to a total maximum score of 59. ResearchGate PDF Downloads & Resources Rivermead Visual Gait Assessment Form
Comprehensive Guide to the Rivermead Visual Gait Assessment (RVGA): Benefits, Usage, and PDF Resources
: Evaluates 20 specific gait items, including 2 for the arms, 11 for the stance phase, and 7 for the swing phase. Target Population
(RMI), which focuses on functional tasks like "climbing stairs," the RVGA looks at the of movement. It assesses 20 specific items: Arm Swing: 2 items (observation of the affected side). Stance Phase: 11 items assessing trunk stability and weight-bearing. Swing Phase: 7 items focused on foot clearance and limb advancement. How to Score the Assessment Each item is graded on a scale from , where 0 is "normal" and 3 is "severe deviation". Global Score: Ranges from 0 (perfect gait) to 59 (grossly abnormal). Clinical Significance: A reduction of
"Visual gait analysis: the development of a clinical assessment and scale" by Lord, Halligan, and Wade (1998).
3. Use it for Goal Setting
The true value of the RVGA isn't just a number; it is identifying what to treat. If the PDF shows a high score for "Lack of Knee Flexion during Swing," your treatment goal becomes facilitation of knee flexion, perhaps through task-specific training or orthotics.
- Non-invasive: The assessment is non-invasive and does not require any specialized equipment.
- Low-cost: The assessment is relatively low-cost compared to other gait evaluation tools.
- Easy to administer: The assessment is easy to administer and can be performed in a variety of settings.
- Provides valuable information: The assessment provides valuable information about gait patterns, which can inform treatment decisions.
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