Article

AIMS: To investigate the effect of foot wedge and carrying weighted bag on
loading the paretic lower limb in children with hemiparetic CP. DESIGN:
Cross-sectional study. Participants: A convenient sample of 18 ambulant children
with spastic hemiparetic CP was evaluated. Fifteen matched normal children acted
as a control group. METHODS: Using two calibrated scales, measurements of weight
supported on each lower limb were obtained under four different standing
conditions. RESULTS: During quiet standing, the percentage of weight supported on
the paretic limb was 35.59% with symmetry index equals 0.57. Standing with the
non-paretic foot is placed on a lateral foot wedge, was the best condition that
increased the percentage of weight supported on the paretic limb to 47.18% and
improved the symmetry index to 0.90. Non-significant improvement of symmetry
index 0.61 was recorded when carrying a weighted bag with the paretic hand, but
carrying with the non-paretic hand unnecessarily loads the non-paretic limb and
further decreases the symmetry index to 0.49. CONCLUSIONS: Using a lateral foot
wedge beneath the non-paretic foot and carrying a weighted bag with the paretic
hand improve the loading function of the paretic limb and relief the non-paretic
limb from overloading.

Langue : ANGLAIS