Comparison of lower extremity range of motion during walking between children with cerebral palsy and normal children

Abstract

Background: Walking is very important for children with cerebral palsy but they lack voluntary coordination of
muscle movements. Moreover, affected children have their own pattern of walking which is different from normal walking. Thus, gait analysis is a great tool for diagnosis with the aim to rehabilitate the children as best as possible.

Objective: To compare lower extremity range of motion during walking between children with cerebral palsy and normal children.

Methods: The participants were 15 children with cerebral palsy (5 - 15 years of age). Their motor abilities were
classified at level 1 - 3 on the Gross Motor Function Classification System. The control group comprised 15 age-matched normal children. Walking movement was investigated by computerized motion analysis.

Results: There were statistically significant differences in the range of motion of right hip abduction/adduction, knee flexion/extension, and pelvic upward tilt/downward tilt (P = 0.020, 0.006, and < 0.001, respectively) during right foot strike. Likewise, statistically significant differences were observed in the range of motion of knee flexion/ extension and pelvic upward tilt/downward tilt (P < 0.001 and 0.001, respectively) during left foot strike. Concerning foot off, statistically significant differences were observed for right hip flexion/extension, right knee flexion/ extension, and pelvic upward tilt/downward tilt (P < 0.001, 0.001, and 0.014, respectively) for right foot off. When analyzing left foot off, statistically significant difference were observed for left hip flexion/extension, left abduction/ adduction, pelvic forward tilt/backward tilt, and pelvic upward tilt/downward tilt (P = 0.003, 0.006, 0.045, and < 0.001, respectively).

Conclusion: Gait analysis should be included in holistic diagnosis which is not often seen in present medication.