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Updated: Jan 1, 2026
Clinical-oriented Three-dimensional Gait Analysis Method for Evaluating Gait Disorder
Published on: March 4, 2018
Association between Gait Deviation Index and Physical Function in Children with Bilateral Spastic Cerebral Palsy: A
Tadashi Ito1,2, Koji Noritake3, Hiroshi Sugiura3
1Three-Dimensional Motion Analysis Room, Aichi Prefectural Mikawa Aoitori Medical and Rehabilitation Center for Developmental Disabilities, Okazaki 444-0002, Japan.
Insights
Children with spastic cerebral palsy (GMFCS level II) showed poorer gait quality and muscle strength. Improved motor function may enhance gait in children with cerebral palsy.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pediatrics
- Biomechanical Engineering
Background:
- Spastic cerebral palsy (CP) significantly impacts motor function in children.
- Assessing gait quality and lower extremity muscle strength is crucial for managing ambulatory CP.
- The Gait Deviation Index (GDI) and Five-Times-Sit-to-Stand Test (FTSST) are key metrics for evaluating mobility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between the Gait Deviation Index (GDI) and mobility/muscle strength measures (FTSST, gait speed).
- To compare gait quality and motor function between Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels I and II in spastic CP.
- To understand the role of motor function in maintaining gait quality in ambulatory children with spastic CP.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional observational study involving 35 ambulatory children (5-16 years) with spastic CP (GMFCS I and II).
- Three-dimensional gait analysis to calculate the GDI.
- Functional assessments included the FTSST and gait speed measurements.
Main Results:
- Children with GMFCS level II exhibited significantly lower GDI and poorer FTSST performance compared to GMFCS level I (p < 0.001).
- A significant negative correlation was found between FTSST results and GDI (r = -0.624; p < 0.001).
- Gait speed also showed a correlation with GDI, indicating impaired mobility.
Conclusions:
- Motor function is vital for maintaining gait quality in ambulatory children with GMFCS I and II spastic CP.
- Reduced gait impairment correlates with better FTSST and GDI values in ambulatory spastic CP.
- These findings highlight the importance of addressing motor function in rehabilitation strategies for spastic CP.
Abstract:
This study examined the association between Gait Deviation Index (GDI) and the five-times-sit-to-stand test (FTSST) or gait speed results, which represent mobility and muscle strength of the lower extremities in ambulatory children with Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level I and II spastic cerebral palsy. In this cross-sectional, observational study, three-dimensional gait analysis data were obtained during gait trials to evaluate the GDI in 35 children (age 5-16 years) with spastic palsy. Motor function was evaluated using FTSST and gait speed. Gross motor function was evaluated using GMFCS. Children with GMFCS level II spastic cerebral palsy demonstrated lower GDI (p < 0.001) and poorer FTSST (p = 0.031) than those with GMFCS level I spastic cerebral palsy. Correlation analysis showed that FTSST results were significantly correlated with GDI (r = -0.624; p < 0.001). Motor function may be important for the maintenance of gait quality in patients with GMFCS level I and II spastic cerebral palsy and should not be ignored. In conclusion, reduction in gait impairment may affect the values of FTSST and GDI in patients with spastic cerebral palsy who can ambulate without an assistive device.
