GALS Examination

Question 1

What does GALS stand for?

Answer 1

Gait, Arms, Legs, Spine

Question 2

What is the best order for GALS?

Answer 2

• Questions
• Inspection
• Gait
• Spine
• Arms
• Legs

Question 3

GALS - Initial Questions

Answer 3

Do you have any pain or stiffness?
Can you dress and undress yourself without difficulty?
Can climb up and down stairs without difficulty?

Question 4

GALS - Inspection

Answer 4

Observe the patient standing from the front, side and back.

Question 5

GALS - Gait

Answer 5

Ask the patient to take a few steps forward and back.

Question 6

GALS - Spine

Answer 6

Assess Lumbar Spine Flexion
Assess Neck Lateral Flexion
- Ask about pain and stiffness.

Question 7

GALS - Arms

Answer 7

Shoulders - Arms behind the head, push shoulders back.
Hands & Wrists (look feel move)
- Assess hand swelling.
- Assess supination.
- Assess elbow flexion and extension.
- Squeeze MCPJs
- Make a fist, squeeze fingers, fine precision - fingers together movement.

Question 8

GALS - Legs

Answer 8

Ask the Patient to Lie on the Couch
Hip & Knee
- Active Knee Flexion and Extension (Assess for Crepitus).
- Passive Internal and External Hip Rotation.
- Patellar Tap
Feet
- Inspect
- Squeeze MTP Joints

Question 9

GALS Conclusion

Answer 9

Summarise Findings
Thank Patient, Request them to Redress, Wash Hands