Observer Reactivity During Gait Measurements in a Clinical Setting

Observer reactivity, also known as the 'Hawthorne effect', can roughly be described as the alteration of behaviour as a consequence of observation or awareness of measurement. Although we are aware of a potential observation effect during research participation, observer reactivity may also influence assessments that are performed as part of clinical care. Previous research on observer reactivity during gait measurements has resulted in contradicting outcomes and most studies examined the effects of participation in research rather than the clinical measurement of gait in a gait lab setting or the observation by professionals. Therefore, the aim of this study is to examine the differences in gait pattern between unobserved walking, observed walking, and observed walking combined with awareness of measurement, in a within-subjects repeated measures design.

Inclusion Criteria:Subacute or chronic stroke (>3 months ago)Exclusion Criteria:Not able to walk 50 meters without resting.Not able to understand instructions given by the researcher.