Article

Gait cycle and pressure distribution patterns can now be recorded
quite simply and reproducibly with inexpensive in-sole pressure recorders.
However, it is not known whether such readings are sufficiently stable to provide
useful information in monitoring children with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy (HCP).
The aim of this study was to asses the reproducibility of gait
cycle and plantar pressure in HCP. METHODS: Fourteen children with HCP (Gross
Motor Function Classification System level I or II) undertook two walking trials
(4 x 12 meters at self-selected speeds) with a one-week inter-test interval.
Spatio-temporal gait cycle parameters and peak plantar pressures were measured at
each visit, using Parotec in-shoe pressure sensors. RESULTS: In the unaffected
limb, satisfactory reproducibility was found for measurements of velocity, step
frequency, time of double support, and step duration, but not for step amplitude
or contact time. However, in the affected limb, only velocity and step duration
showed moderate reproducibility. Likewise, all of 8 pressure measurements were
reproducible for the unaffected limb, but pressures for the affected limb were
only consistent at 4 sites (metatarsals 4-5, lateral heel, lateral mid-foot and
hallux). CONCLUSIONS: Since plantar pressures are unstable only in the affected
limb, the cause of variation is likely immediate spasm during movement of this
limb rather than a more permanent change of posture. Some spatio-temporal
parameters and plantar pressure readings have sufficient stability in both
unaffected and affected limbs to allow their use when evaluating gait and
planning therapy for children with HCP.

Langue : ANGLAIS