Gait in children with juvenile chronic arthritis. Timing and force parameters

To examine gait in children with juvenile chronic arthritis (JCA) with reference to velocity, ground reaction forces and temporal parameters.

Fifteen children with JCA were assigned into two groups (uni- and bilateral involvement and classified as pauci- or polyarticular arthritis). Fourteen healthy children participated in the control group. Light-beams were used to determine walking velocity and the children with JCA rated their pain on a visual analogue scale. Two force plates registered the ground reaction forces and foot-switches were used to obtain temporal parameters.

The mean velocity for the children with JCA was significantly less than for the healthy controls. Velocity normalized to height showed a tendency for the children with JCA to walk slower than controls. Differences between JCA children and healthy controls were observed for peak vertical forces during heel contact and push-off. No temporal differences were observed between the groups.

Such kinetic and temporal information may provide the clinician with a sensitive tool for pre- and post assessment of intra-articular steroid injections and/or physical therapy.