General comments

This review addresses the topic of gait summary measures, which have been used in conjunction with gait analysis. Summary measures have been proposed to objectify clinical impression, quantify the degree of gait deviation from normal, stratify the severity of pathology, document the changes in gait patterns over time and evaluate interventions. The paper offers a comprehensive perspective on the main summary index used in clinical gait analysis, giving the reader a sound state-of-the-art update for future investigations.

Abstract

The abstract is clear and well matches the rest of the article.

Background

This review was justified by the growing number of summary indexes proposed in literature. The research question was clearly specified.

Methods and Results

Although not strictly following a recognised protocol (such as PRISMA or Cochrane), systematic literature review was thoroughly conducted and the most important papers were discussed.

Discussion

Comparison between the various indexes were compared and commented, providing the reader with helpful information about strength and drawbacks of each summary measure. Thus, the aims of the study were completely fulfilled. Future developments were appropriately addressed. Overall, this review sets as a corner stone of summary methods for gait analysis.