Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 8, 2026
Clinical-oriented Three-dimensional Gait Analysis Method for Evaluating Gait Disorder
Published on: March 4, 2018
Integral method (IM) as a quantitative and objective method to supplement the GMFCS classification of gait in
Alicja Dziuba1, Tadeusz Bober, Krystyna Kobel-Buys
1University School of Physical Education, Institute of Biomechanics, Wrocław, Poland. alicja.dziuba@awf.wroc.pl
Insights
The Integral Method (IM) offers an objective way to assess walking in children with cerebral palsy (CP), complementing the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) and aiding in rehabilitation progress monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanical analysis
- Pediatric neurology
- Rehabilitation medicine
Background:
- Cerebral palsy (CP) significantly impacts children's motor function, necessitating accurate assessment tools.
- Current rehabilitation strategies for CP lack objective methods for monitoring recovery progress.
- Gait analysis provides objective insights into locomotor activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop the Integral Method (IM) using ground reaction force (GRF) patterns during walking.
- To establish IM as an objective tool to supplement the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) for children with CP.
- To quantitatively assess motor abilities and track recovery in children with CP.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a Kistler force plate and GRFintegral software for data collection.
- Analyzed ground reaction force patterns during walking in 15 healthy children and 34 children with CP.
- Developed the Integral Method (IM) based on GRF data.
Main Results:
- The IM showed a moderate correlation (r = 0.61, p ≤ 0.01) with the GMFCS classification.
- IM results aligned with GMFCS levels in 17 children, with discrepancies in 17 others.
- Detected gait asymmetry in 11 children with CP.
Conclusions:
- The Integral Method (IM) serves as an objective and quantitative supplement to the GMFCS for assessing CP-related motor impairments.
- IM facilitates the detection of asymmetry, gait pattern improvements, and foot support techniques.
- This method offers clinicians a simple, fast gait assessment tool for pediatric patients with CP.
Abstract:
Gait analysis is an objective tool for the clinical assessment of locomotor activity in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Correct diagnosis and properly planned rehabilitation are necessary for enhanced motor functions in persons suffering from cerebral palsy. Orthoses, orthopedic operations, medications and physiotherapy are the most common treatments. However, there is still a lack of objective methods for assessing motor behavior and monitoring the progress of recovery. The aim of the study was to use the ground reaction force patterns generated during walking to create the Integral Method (IM), which could become an objective tool that could supplement the functional classification of CP children based on the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS). A total of 15 healthy children and 34 children with CP who walk independently participated in the study. A Kistler force plate and GRFintegral software were used. Of the 34 measurements based on the IM for CP children, 17 matched the level assigned by the GMFCS, 2 children were assigned a higher level, and 15 were assigned a lower level. Pearson's correlation coefficient between the IM and the GMFCS was moderate (r = 0.61, p ≤ 0.01). Asymmetry was found in 11 cases. The IM supplements the GMFCS and is an objective and quantitative assessment of motor abilities. The method allows for the detection of asymmetry, diagnosis of the improvement of gait pattern and assessment of foot support technique. With the appropriate software, the IM provides pediatricians, neurologists, orthopedists, surgeons and physiotherapists with a simple and fast way to assess gait.
