| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 371634 | Research in Developmental Disabilities | 2012 | 7 Pages |
The aim of this study was to quantitatively assess the stability and harmony of gait in children with cerebral palsy. Seventeen children with spastic hemiplegia due to cerebral palsy (5.0 ± 2.3 years old) who were able to walk autonomously and seventeen age-matched children with typical development (5.7 ± 2.5 years old, p = 0.391) performed a 10-m walking test with a wearable device fixed to their lower trunk and included a triaxial accelerometer and three gyroscopes.Three parameters related to gait stability and three related to gait harmony were computed; all of these yielded significant differences between children with cerebral palsy and those with typical development (p < 0.020 for all the computed parameters). In the latter group of children, trunk accelerations were found to be negatively correlated with age (partial correlation controlled for walking speed: Rp < −0.58, p > 0.020). Conversely, in children with cerebral palsy, the upper body accelerations were proportionally correlated with their gait speed (R = 0.548, p = 0.023 in the antero-posterior direction) but not with their age (p > 0.05). This finding can be related both to difficulties in managing the higher upper body accelerations involved in rapid walking and to compensation strategies.
Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Stability and harmony of gait are reduced in children with cerebral palsy. ► These gait aspects are a complex result of impairment and compensation strategies. ► These gait aspects can be suitably and easily assessed using wearable devices.
