Article

The aim of this study was to compare passive muscle stiffness in children
with cerebral palsy (CP) and children with typical development using a novel
ultrasound technique: ultrasound shear wave elastography (SWE). METHOD: We
conducted a prospective study of 13 children with CP (six females and seven
males, median age 5y 1mo [interquartile range 4y 4mo-7y 8mo]) and 13 children
with typical development
(six females and seven males, median age 5y 3mo
[interquartile range 4y 4mo-9y 4mo]). Demographic information and physical exam
measurements were obtained in addition to shear modulus measurements (passive
muscle stiffness) of the lateral gastrocnemius muscle at 20 degrees plantar
flexion, 10 degrees plantar flexion, and 0 degrees plantar flexion using SWE.
RESULTS: Children with CP had significantly greater shear modulus measurements at
all three foot positions (p<0.050). When the shear modulus values were normalized
to the baseline value for each child, there was no significant difference between
the two groups. INTERPRETATION: Passive muscle stiffness, measured without the
influence of spasticity, is greater in children with CP than in children with
typical development when a muscle is at slack and at stretch. When shear modulus
was normalized, the results indicate that muscle in children in both groups
responds similarly to passive stretch. Further work includes evaluating effect of
botulinum toxin on passive muscle properties.
CI - (c) 2016 Mac Keith Press.

Langue : ANGLAIS