Article

The goal of the present study was to assess the effect of various walking modes on dynamic gait characteristics and to evaluate the possible differences in the
adaptation reactions between children post severe traumatic brain injury (TBI)
and typically developed (TD) controls. Methods: Thirteen children post severe
TBI, mean of 3.5 years post trauma, independent walkers, with a walking velocity
> 1.1 m/sec, and 15 TD controls participated in this study. Ages were 7-13 years.
Gait speed, step time and length and step time and length variability were
assessed by an electronic walkway. The children completed three cycles on the
walkway for each of the following situations: comfortable walking, walking as
fast as possible, as slow as possible and walking on a straight line. Results : Despite a similar walking performance while walking at a "regular" speed,
children post severe TBI exhibit a significantly reduced range of walking speeds
(73-154 cm/sec), about half, as compared to TD children (54-193 cm/sec) across
the study assignments. In addition, while "walking on a straight line" children
post TBI walk slower, with increased step variability as compared to their peers.
Conclusion: Children post severe traumatic brain injury may achieve independent
walking at a comparable rate to typically developed controls; however their
impairments will be exacerbated as the demands increase. Since a variety of walking speeds is crucial for independent daily living at any age and for children in particular, and since adequate balance is an inherent element of walking, these issues need repeated assessments and the children should receive
appropriate treatment.

Langue : ANGLAIS