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Temporal and spatial parameters of gait in children. II: Pathological gait
E F Wheelwright1, R A Minns, R A Elton
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Edinburgh.
Insights
Objective gait analysis reveals distinct walking patterns in children with neuromuscular disorders. Key gait parameters like step length and walking speed are altered, highlighting the need for quantitative assessment in diagnosis and management.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Biomechanics
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Children with neuromuscular disorders often exhibit abnormal gait patterns.
- Subjective assessments may not fully capture the complexity of these gait abnormalities.
- Quantitative gait analysis offers a more objective evaluation method.
Purpose of the Study:
- To objectively measure and compare temporal and spatial gait parameters in children with various neuromuscular impairments.
- To investigate the relationship between gait parameters and functional mobility in these children.
- To establish the clinical value of objective gait analysis in managing childhood neuromuscular disorders.
Main Methods:
- Gait parameters including step length, foot-velocity, walking speed, double support time, and cadence were measured.
- Measurements were taken from 72 children with anomalous walking patterns (childhood hemiplegia, congenital paraplegia, miscellaneous neuromotor disorders) and compared to normal children.
- Hoffer grade of functional mobility was assessed in paraplegic children.
Main Results:
- Children with neuromuscular disorders showed reduced step length, average maximum foot-velocity, and walking speed.
- Increased double support time and deviated cadence were observed in all affected groups.
- Hemiplegic children exhibited significant side-to-side gait asymmetries.
- Measured gait parameters correlated significantly with functional mobility in paraplegic children.
Conclusions:
- Objective gait analysis provides valuable clinical insights into the gait abnormalities associated with childhood neuromuscular disorders.
- Quantitative measurements offer a more comprehensive understanding than subjective assessments alone.
- This analysis aids in the effective management and treatment planning for affected children.
Abstract:
Temporal and spatial parameters of gait were measured in 72 children with anomalous walking patterns as a result of neuromuscular impairment, 21 with childhood hemiplegia, 27 with congenital paraplegia and 24 with miscellaneous neuromotor disorders. Measurements were compared with those for a group of normal children. In all three groups, step length, average maximum foot-velocity and walking speed were reduced, double support time was increased, while cadence deviated from normal in both directions. Hemiplegic children varied considerably in their measured side-to-side gait asymmetries, suggesting a range of gait abnormalities not specified by subjective means alone. Measured gait parameters were significantly related to Hoffer grade of functional mobility in paraplegic children. Objective gait analysis using established temporal and spatial measurements is of clinical value in the management of childhood neuromuscular disorders.