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Locomotion Efficiency in Children With Cerebral Palsy Experiencing Limited Gross Motor Function: Walking Versus
Cloé Dussault-Picard1, Annie Pouliot-Laforte, Claire Cherriere
1Department Of Physical Activity Sciences (Mss Dussault-Picard and Pouliot-Laforte and Mr Ballaz), Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, Canada; Center of Research of Sainte-Justine University Hospital Center (Mss Dussault-Picard, Pouliot-Laforte, Cherrière, and Houle and Mr Ballaz), Montreal, Canada.
Insights
Cycling is more efficient than walking for children with cerebral palsy (CP). This study found cycling reduces energy expenditure and increases distance traveled, offering a beneficial mobility option for children with CP.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Biomechanical Engineering
Background:
- Cerebral palsy (CP) significantly impacts motor function, affecting mobility.
- Children with CP often face challenges with energy expenditure during locomotion.
- Assistive devices like tricycles can support body weight and improve movement efficiency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficiency and energy expenditure of cycling versus walking in children with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy (CP).
- To evaluate the potential of cycling as a less exhausting alternative for movement in children with CP.
Main Methods:
- Nine children diagnosed with CP participated in the study.
- Participants engaged in both cycling and walking for a duration of 6 minutes at a self-selected comfortable pace.
- Key metrics measured included the energy expenditure index (EEI) and percentage of reserve heart rate (%HRR).
Main Results:
- Cycling demonstrated a lower energy expenditure index (EEI) compared to walking.
- Children covered a greater distance while cycling than when walking.
- %HRR levels were comparable between the cycling and walking conditions.
Conclusions:
- Cycling emerges as a more energy-efficient mode of locomotion compared to walking for children with CP.
- The findings suggest cycling is a viable and efficient alternative for enhancing mobility in adapted school settings and community environments for children with CP.
Purpose:
This study compares cycling and walking efficiency, and energy expenditure in children with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy (CP). In children with CP, locomotion with body weight support aids such as a tricycle is a potential alternative for less exhausting movements.
Methods:
Nine children with CP traveled at comfortable speed for 6 minutes by cycling and walking. The energy expenditure index (EEI) and the percentage of the reserve heart rate (%HRR) were calculated.
Results:
The EEI was lower while cycling than walking, the traveled distance was higher while cycling than walking, and %HRR remained similar between cycling and walking.
Conclusion:
Cycling appears an efficient alternative to walking for children with CP for adapted school environments and in the community.
