Article

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of WalkAide
functional electrical stimulation on gait pattern and energy expenditure in
children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy. DESIGN: Seventeen children were assigned
to the study group, whose members received functional electrical stimulation
(pulse width, 300 mus; frequency, 33 Hz, 2 hours/d,
3 days/ week for 3 consecutive
months). Seventeen other children were assigned to the control group, whose
members participated in a conventional physical therapy exercise program for 3
successive months. Baseline and posttreatment assessments were performed using
the GAITRite system to evaluate gait parameters and using an open-circuit
indirect calorimeter to evaluate energy expenditure.
RESULTS: Children in the
study group showed a significant improvement when compared with those in the
control group (P < 0.005).
The gait parameters (stride length, cadence, speed,
cycle time, and stance phase percentage) after treatment were (0.74 m,119
steps/min, 0.75 m/s, 0.65 s, 55.9%) and (0.5 m,125 steps/min, 0.6 m/s, 0.49 s,
50.4%) for the study group and control group, respectively. The mean energy
expenditures after treatment were 8.18 +/- 0.88 and 9.16 +/- 0.65 mL/kg per
minute for the study and control groups, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: WalkAide
functional electrical stimulation may be a useful tool for improving gait pattern
and energy expenditure in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy. TO CLAIM CME CREDITS: Complete the self-assessment activity and evaluation online at
http://www.physiatry.org/JournalCME CME OBJECTIVES :
Upon completion of this
article, the reader should be able to: (1) Identify gait abnormalities in
children with hemiplegic CP; (2) Describe the impact of utilizing the WalkAide on
energy expenditure during gait training in children with hemiplegic CP; and (3)
Describe the benefits of including the WalkAide in the treatment of gait
abnormalities in children with hemiplegic CP. LEVEL: Advanced ACCREDITATION:
The Association of Academic Physiatrists is accredited by the Accreditation
Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education
for physicians. The Association of Academic Physiatrists designates this activity
for a maximum of 1.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s).
Physicians should only claim
credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Langue : ANGLAIS