Variation in kinematic and spatiotemporal gait parameters by Gross Motor Function Classification System level in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy. (28th April 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Õunpuu, Sylvia; Gorton, George; Bagley, Anita; Sison‐Williamson, Mitell; Hassani, Sahar; Johnson, Barbara; Oeffinger, Donna
• Is Part Of: Developmental medicine & child neurology. Volume 57:Number 10(2015:Oct.)
• Page Start: 955
• Page End: 962
• Publication Date: 2015-04-28
• Subjects: Child development -- Periodicals; Pediatric neurology -- Periodicals; 616.8
• DOI: 10.1111/dmcn.12766
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0012-1622

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" id="dmcn12766-abs-0001"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <sec id="dmcn12766-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>Aim</title> <p>The aim of this study was to examine differences in gait kinematics and spatiotemporal parameters in ambulatory children and adolescents with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy (BSCP) among Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels I‐III.</p> </sec> <sec id="dmcn12766-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Method</title> <p>A retrospective review was conducted of individuals with BSCP who had three‐dimensional motion analysis (3DGA) at one of seven pediatric hospitals. Means and standard deviations of each gait parameter were stratified by GMFCS levels (I‐III) and for a typically developing comparison group.</p> </sec> <sec id="dmcn12766-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>Results</title> <p>Data from 292 children and adolescents with BSCP (189 males, 103 females; mean age 13y) were compared to a typically developing comparison group (24 male, 26 female; mean age 10y 6mo). Gait patterns differed from typically developing in all GMFCS levels, with increasing deviation as GMFCS level increased in 21 out of 28 parameters. Despite significant differences in selected mean kinematic parameters among GMFCS levels such as knee angle at initial contact of 24°, 29°, and 41° in GMFCS levels I, II and III respectively, there was also substantial overlap among GMFCS levels.</p> </sec> <sec id="dmcn12766-sec-0004" sec-type="section"> <title>Interpretation</title> <p>GMFCS levels cannot be identified using specific gait kinematics. Treatment decisions should be guided by comprehensive 3DGA that allows measurement of gait impairments at the joint level for each individual.</p> </sec> </abstract>