Changes of Plantar Pressure and Gait Parameters in Children with Mild Cerebral Palsy Who Used a Customized External...

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Pediatric Rehabilitation
• Orthotics and Prosthetics

Background:

• Children with mild cerebral palsy often exhibit toe-in and crouch gaits, leading to impaired balance and increased fall risk during ambulation.
• Traditional gait training can be challenging due to these alignment issues, necessitating innovative assistive devices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the immediate effects of a customized external strap orthosis on gait parameters and plantar pressure distribution in children with mild cerebral palsy.
• To assess the orthosis's efficacy in correcting leg alignment and improving gait performance.

Main Methods:

• Nine children with mild cerebral palsy participated, with their dominant leg analyzed.
• Plantar pressure was assessed using a pressure platform (static and dynamic).
• Gait parameters (speed, stride length, cadence) were recorded using a motion image analysis system.

Main Results:

• Wearing the orthosis led to significant improvements in all measured gait parameters.
• Changes in foot motion during the stance phase of the gait cycle were observed.
• Dynamic assessment showed the path of pressure trajectory moving closer to the midline, indicating improved alignment.

Conclusions:

• The customized external strap orthosis provides immediate functional benefits for children with mild cerebral palsy.
• The device effectively assists in correcting leg alignment, leading to enhanced gait performance and improved balance.
• Plantar pressure and trajectory changes confirm the orthosis's positive impact on gait mechanics.