Article

Gait efficiency in children with cerebral palsy is usually quantified by
metabolic energy expenditure. Mechanical energy estimations, however, can be a
valuable supplement as they can be assessed during gait analysis and plotted over
the gait cycle, thus revealing information on timing and sources of increases in
energy expenditure. Unfortunately, little information on validity and sensitivity
exists. Three mechanical estimation approaches: (1) centre of mass (CoM)
approach, (2) sum of segmental energies (SSE) approach and (3) integrated joint
power approach, were validated against oxygen consumption and each other.
Sensitivity was assessed in typical gait and in children with diplegia. CoM
approach underestimated total energy expenditure and showed poor sensitivity. SSE
approach overestimated energy expenditure and showed acceptable sensitivity.
Validity and sensitivity were best in the integrated joint power approach. This
method is therefore preferred for mechanical energy estimation in children with
diplegia. However, mechanical energy should supplement, not replace metabolic
energy, as total energy expended is not captured in any mechanical approach.
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Langue : ANGLAIS