Assessment of relation between gait and static balance in children with cerebral palsy

Joanna Majewska
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Magdalena Szczepanik
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Mariusz Drużbicki
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Sławomir Snela
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Wojciech Rusek
Grzegorz Sobota
Ewelina Nowak
Jacek Durmała
Marcin Bonikowski
Institute of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rzeszow, Rzeszow, Poland
Institute of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rzeszow, Rzeszow, Poland
Department of Physiotherapy, Institute of Health Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, University of Rzeszow, Rzeszow, Poland
Institute of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rzeszow, Rzeszow, Poland
Institute of Physiotherapy, University of Rzeszow, Poland
Department of Biomechanics, Academy of Physical Education in Katowice, Poland
Outpatient Clinic of Physiotherapy ‚Neurorehabilitation of children and adults’, Katowice, Poland
Department of Rehabilitation, School of Health Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Poland
Department of Pediatric Neurology and Rehabilitation, Psychiatry Center, Zagorze, Poland
Received: 6 January 2017 / Accepted: 20 February 2017 / Published: 30 March 2017

Abstract

Introduction. Cancer, after cardiovascular disease, is the second most common cause of death both in Poland anIntroduction. In children with cerebral palsy, gait and balance assessment allows for an objective gait pattern evaluation as well as for therapy planning and assessment. It was hypothesised that asymmetry of the lower limbs load in a standing position causes asymmetry of spatiotemporal gait parameters.

Material and methods. 19 children with spastic diplegia and 20 healthy children participated in this study. 3D gait analysis was performed using the BTS Smart optoelectronic system. Stabilometric evaluation was performed using the Zebris Force Plate. Additionally, the Symmetry Index for selected gait and balance parameters was calculated.

Results and conclusion. It was shown that symmetry of gait parameters and lower limb load in standing position differs significantly between the study and control groups. There was no correlation confirmed between lower limbs symmetry in standing position and symmetry of gait parameters. It was shown that 80% of children with cerebral palsy had asymmetrical gait patterns. It has also been shown that asymmetry of lower limbs load in a standing position correlates with an asymmetry of spatiotemporal gait parameters. The majority of children with spastic diplegia present asymmetrical gait patterns and asymmetrical balance parameters, but it has no influence on gait symmetry.

 

Cite

Majewska J, Szczepanik M, Drużbicki M, et al. Assessment of relation between gait and static balance in children with cerebral palsy. Eur J Clin Exp Med. 2017;15(1):24–31. doi: 10.15584/ejcem.2017.1.4

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