Article

Children with cerebral palsy (CP) often experience significant problems
supporting their bodyweight (BW) and decelerating the downward velocity of the
centre of mass (CoM) in late stance. This is seen as a decreased second peak of
vertical ground reaction force (GRF) nominated FZ(2). This study categorises gait
data by the degree of reduced FZ(2). Kinetic data were analysed from a CP
database. Data from 129 patients, able to walk barefoot unaided, were
investigated. Of these, 84 had kinetic data, 59 diplegics (both legs) and 15
hemiplegics (affected leg only), thus providing data from 133 legs. A reduced
FZ(2) was observed in 116 legs (87%). Of the 133 legs, 44% failed to generate
FZ(2)>BW. By including the Type 2 data this figure rises to, a staggering 66% who
are having difficulty supporting BW at this stage of the stance phase. Only 12%
of the legs showed a normal pattern (FZ(2) approximately equal to FZ(1)). In
conclusion, the majority of CP children referred to the gait laboratory exhibited
some degree of reduced FZ(2) and can be categorised as having a 'Ben Lomonding'
gait pattern. 'Ben Lomonding,' is the term used to describe this phenomenon of
reduced FZ(2), as the shape of the GRF graph resembles the shape of the Scottish
mountain, Ben Lomond, which has two peaks, the second peak being much smaller
than the first. Crucially, clinicians should be aware that nearly half of the CP
children in this study were in difficulty supporting their BW in late stance and
must use compensatory mechanisms to prevent collapse of the affected limb.
CI - Copyright (c) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS