Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 23, 2026
Clinical Assessment of Spatiotemporal Gait Parameters in Patients and Older Adults
Published on: November 7, 2014
Comparison of Spatiotemporal Gait Parameters between Children with Normal Development and Children with Diplegic
1Department of Physical Therapy, College of Rehabilitation Science, Daegu University.
Insights
Children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy (CP) exhibit significantly different gait patterns compared to typically developing children. These findings offer valuable insights for CP care and management.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Pediatric Neurology
- Movement Science
Background:
- Spastic diplegic cerebral palsy (CP) is a common childhood neurological disorder affecting motor function.
- Gait abnormalities are a hallmark of CP, impacting mobility and quality of life.
- Understanding specific gait deviations is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify and compare spatiotemporal gait parameters between children with spastic diplegic CP and typically developing children.
- To identify objective differences in gait characteristics associated with CP.
- To provide data that can inform clinical assessment and rehabilitation strategies.
Main Methods:
- A comparative study involving sixteen children: eight with spastic diplegic CP (Gross Motor Function Classification System [GMFC] levels I-II) and eight typically developing children.
- Detailed analysis of spatiotemporal gait parameters including velocity, cadence, stride length, step width, and limb support phases.
- Utilized established protocols for gait analysis in pediatric populations.
Main Results:
- Children with CP demonstrated significantly reduced walking velocity (60%), cadence (77%), and stride length (73%) compared to controls.
- Step width was markedly increased in children with CP (160%).
- Double-limb support time was substantially longer (188% right, 179% left), while single-limb support time was shorter (83% right, 82% left) in the CP group.
Conclusions:
- Objective evidence confirms significant spatiotemporal gait parameter differences between children with spastic diplegic CP (GMFC I-II) and typically developing peers.
- These gait deviations highlight the motor challenges faced by children with CP.
- Findings are valuable for healthcare professionals involved in the care and management of children with spastic diplegic CP.
Abstract:
[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to determine the differences in spatiotemporal gait parameters between children with spastic diplegic CP and children with normal development (ND). [Subjects and Methods] Sixteen children (eight children with spastic diplegic CP and eight ND children) were recruited for participation as volunteers in this study. The children with CP had a Gross Motor Function Classification (GMFC) System level of between I and II. [Results] Walking velocity, cadence, stride length, and step width of children with CP with a GMFC of between I and II were a level of 60%, 77%, 73%, and 160%, respectively, of those of ND children. The percentages of right and left double-limb support were 188% and 179% higher, respectively, and the proportion of single limb support was shorter by 83% and 82%. [Conclusion] Our results provide objective evidence of distinct differences in spatiotemporal gait parameters between children with spastic diplegic CP with a GMFC level I or II and ND children and would be helpful to persons involved in the care of these children.
