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Intrasubject repeatability of gait analysis data in normal and spastic children
G Steinwender1, V Saraph, S Scheiber
1Department of Paediatric Orthopaedics, Karl Franzens University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 34, A-8036, Graz, Austria. gerhardt.steinwender@kfunigraz.ac.at
Clinical Biomechanics (Bristol, Avon)
|January 8, 2000
Summary
Gait analysis data show lower repeatability in children with cerebral palsy compared to typically developing children. This variability may stem from spasticity and marker placement issues, impacting therapeutic decisions.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Pediatric Rehabilitation
- Neurology
Background:
- Gait analysis is crucial for therapeutic interventions in cerebral palsy.
- Previous studies focused on normal gait repeatability, neglecting spastic gait.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the intrasubject repeatability of computer-aided motion analysis data in normal and spastic children.
- To compare gait analysis data variability between children with and without cerebral palsy.
Main Methods:
- A prospective controlled study involving 40 children (20 normal, 20 with diplegic cerebral palsy).
- Analysis of kinematic, kinetic, and time-distance parameters for within-day and between-day intrasubject variability.
- Statistical measures were employed to quantify variability.
Main Results:
- Spastic children exhibited greater variability in time-distance parameters than normal children.
- Kinetics demonstrated better repeatability than kinematics, with normal children showing superior results.
- Within-day repeatability was better in normal children for both kinematics and kinetics.
Conclusions:
- Gait analysis data exhibit lower repeatability in spastic children compared to normal children.
- Restricted joint range of motion due to spasticity likely contributes to reduced repeatability.
- Marker placement errors can also affect between-day repeatability.
