Article

The use of surface electromyography (sEMG) recorded during ambulation has
provided valuable insight into motor development and changes with age in the
pediatric population. However, no studies have reported sEMG differences with age
in the children with cerebral palsy (CP). In this study, data from 50 children
were divided retrospectively into four groups, representing either an older
(above the age of seven years) or younger (below the age of seven years) age
group with either typical development (TD) or CP. Data were analyzed from 16
children in the younger age group with TD, and eight in the older age group with
TD. Data were also available from 14 in the younger age group with CP, and 12 in
the older age group with CP. SEMG signals from the rectus femoris (RF) and medial
hamstring (MH) were analyzed using wavelet techniques to examine time-frequency
content. RF muscle activity was statistically different between all groups
(p<0.001), with an elevated instantaneous mean frequency (IMNF) in the older TD
group than the younger TD group, an elevated IMNF in the younger CP group than
the older CP group, and elevated IMNF in both CP groups compared to both TD
groups. Activity for the MH muscle followed the same pattern except for the CP
young and old group comparison, which indicated no difference. The results
indicate that differences in neuromuscular activation exist between younger and
older groups of children with both TD and CP, and may provide new insight into
muscle activity pattern changes during the development of walking.
CI - Copyright 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS