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Kinematic and kinetic analysis of running in children with cerebral palsy
J R Davids1, A M Bagley, M Bryan
1Shriners Hospitals for Children, Greenville, SC 29605, USA.
Insights
Children with spastic-diplegic cerebral palsy (CP) can run by increasing cadence, a less efficient method than healthy children. Ankle deviations in CP are better tolerated during running, highlighting running
Area of Science:
- Biomechanical analysis
- Pediatric gait studies
- Neuromuscular disorders
Background:
- Cerebral palsy (CP) often affects motor control, impacting gait.
- Understanding gait in children with spastic-diplegic CP is crucial for functional assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze and compare walking and running gait in children with spastic-diplegic CP versus healthy controls.
- To investigate the biomechanical strategies employed during gait in this population.
Main Methods:
- Computer-based gait analysis.
- Measurement of temporospatial parameters, kinematics, and kinetics.
- Comparison between 19 children with CP and 15 healthy children.
Main Results:
- Children with CP increase running velocity by increasing cadence, differing from healthy controls.
- Ankle kinematic and kinetic profiles in CP were more similar to normal during running than walking.
- Both groups rely on proximal hip musculature for power generation at higher velocities.
Conclusions:
- Children with spastic-diplegic CP demonstrate distinct gait adaptations, particularly in running.
- Ankle deviations associated with CP appear better tolerated at higher velocities.
- Running should be considered in the functional assessment of children with CP.
Abstract:
Computer-based analysis of gait was used to study walking and running in 19 children with spastic-diplegic cerebral palsy (CP) and 15 healthy control children. Temporospatial parameters, kinematic and kinetic data were compared and contrasted between groups for both types of gait. The majority of children with diplegic CP, who are independent ambulators, are able to run. These children increase their velocity by increasing their cadence, a mechanism that is distinct (and presumably less energy efficient) from that used by healthy children. Sagittal-plane kinematic and kinetic profiles at the ankle in children with CP were more similar to normal profiles in running than in walking, suggesting that the primary deviations at the ankle associated with CP are better tolerated at greater velocities. Relative power analysis showed that, like healthy children, those with CP depend more upon the proximal musculature about the hip for power generation as the velocity of gait increases. Children with CP achieve energy transfer between adjacent joints during walking and running in a manner comparable to unaffected children. Running is an important activity for children and should be considered in the functional assessment of those with CP.