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Improving Trunk Postural Control Facilitates Walking in Children With Cerebral Palsy: A Pilot Study
Shijun Yan1, Seoung Hoon Park, Renee Keefer
1From the Legs and Walking Lab, Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, Chicago, Illinois (SY, SHP, RK, WD, A-MR, WZR, MW); Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois (SY, SHP, A-MR, WZR, MW); and Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois (MW).
Bilateral trunk support during walking improved gait in children with cerebral palsy. Support enhanced pelvis movement and leg kinematics, potentially improving walking ability.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Neurology
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Cerebral palsy (CP) often impairs motor function, affecting gait.
- Trunk control is crucial for effective walking in children with CP.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of bilateral trunk support on gait kinematics and muscle activity in children with CP.
- To determine if different levels of trunk support influence walking patterns.
Main Methods:
- Fourteen children with spastic CP (GMFCS I-III) walked on a treadmill.
- Trunk and leg kinematics and muscle activity were recorded under four conditions: no support, upper trunk support, lower trunk support, and combined support.
Main Results:
- Bilateral trunk support significantly impacted pelvis and trunk displacement.
- Children exhibited increased step length and step height in their weaker leg with combined trunk support.
- Soleus muscle activity changes correlated with step length variations.
Conclusions:
- Bilateral upper or combined trunk support may enhance gait performance in children with CP.
- Improved pelvic kinematics and trunk postural control appear to facilitate walking.
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