Centre of mass motion during gait in persons with myelomeningocele

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Pediatric Orthopedics
• Rehabilitation Science

Background:

• Myelomeningocele (MM) is a complex congenital condition affecting lower limb function.
• Gait abnormalities are a hallmark of myelomeningocele, impacting mobility and quality of life.
• Understanding the biomechanics of gait in MM is crucial for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the vertical and lateral center of mass (COM) movement during gait in children with myelomeningocele.
• To correlate specific lower limb muscle paresis patterns with distinct COM kinematic alterations.
• To provide insights into compensatory strategies employed by children with varying degrees of muscle weakness.

Main Methods:

• Classification of children with myelomeningocele into five groups based on lower limb muscle paresis severity.
• Comparison of COM movement patterns between patient groups and a healthy control group.
• Analysis of vertical and lateral COM excursions and trends during gait.

Main Results:

• Dorsi- and plantarflexor weakness led to increased COM excursions and an anterior COM trend.
• Additional abductor paresis resulted in maximal lateral excursion and reduced vertical excursion.
• Hip extensor paresis caused a posterior COM shift due to compensatory trunk extension.
• Visualizing COM relative to the pelvis aids in understanding individual compensatory mechanisms.

Conclusions:

• Center of mass analysis provides valuable insights into gait adaptations in myelomeningocele.
• Specific muscle weakness patterns correlate with predictable changes in COM dynamics.
• This analysis complements standard gait analysis, offering a deeper understanding of functional mobility in pediatric myelomeningocele.