Kinematic Gait Analysis in Children with Hemiplegic Spastic Cerebral Palsy

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate gait characteristics using kinematic analysis in children with hemiplegic spastic cerebral palsy. METHOD: Fifty-seven non-operated spastic hemiplegic children who were able to walk independently without any walking aid were recruited as subjects. Three-dimensional kinematic gait analysis using a motion analyzer (Vicon 370 M. A. with 6 infrared cameras) were performed in all patients. Changes in joint angle of hip, knee and ankle in sagittal plane were evaluated to classify gait pattern and also the temporospatial values were measured to determine any differences between groups. RESULTS: Gait patterns were able to be classified into 6 groups. Group I had a minimal gait disturbance, a drop foot pattern. Group II showed hip and knee flexed, with normal ankle range. Group III showed hip, knee, and ankle flexed. Group IV showed genu recurvatum with tibia progression, Group V showed genu recurvatum with tibia arrest. Group VI showed stiff crouch gait. However, the temporospatial values between groups were not significantly different. CONCLUSION: This classification system would be useful for converting the vast quantitative information of gait analysis into descriptive and clinically relevant patterns. Therefore, it would be helpful for the clinician to understand underlying pathology and plan appropriate treatment.