Factors associated with gait efficiency in children with cerebral palsy: association between gait abnormality and balance ability.
Sosei Ishimoto, Masafumi Itokazu
PMID 38186965WHAT IT FOUND
More heart beats per distance walked was linked to more visible gait abnormalities and poorer balance in children with cerebral palsy who walk without aids.
Heel lift timing, knee position in swing, turning, and feet-together standing were the strongest markers.
Key findings
01Among 33 children with GMFCS level I or II CP, THBI was significantly correlated with paralysis distribution, GMFCS level, EVGS, BBS, maximum step length, and 6MWD.
02Multiple regression with THBI as the dependent variable identified EVGS and BBS as significant gait parameters.
03Within EVGS, heel lift in stance and knee position in terminal swing were selected; within BBS, turning 360 degrees and standing with feet together were selected.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTs
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What it does not show
Only 33 children were included, and all were GMFCS level I or II and able to walk without aids, so the findings may not apply to children with more severe cerebral palsy or who use walking aids. The study measured associations, not an intervention, so it cannot show that changing heel lift, knee position, turning, or feet-together standing improves gait efficiency. Age, weight, and lower limb length may still have affected the results, and the authors state these confounders were not completely excluded.
Declared interests
The study received no funding, and the authors declared no conflict of interest.
The easy way to misread this
Do not conclude that improving heel lift, knee position at the end of swing, turning, or feet-together standing will make walking more efficient. This study only found associations in 33 children and did not test an intervention.