Comparison of Spatiotemporal Gait Parameters between Children with Normal Development and Children with Diplegic Cerebral Palsy

• Published in: Journal of Physical Therapy Science Vol. 26; no. 9; pp. 1317 - 1319
• Main Authors: Kim, Chang Ju, Son, Sung Min
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Japan The Society of Physical Therapy Science 01.09.2014
• Subjects: Cerebral palsy; Gait pattern; Original; Spatiotemporal gait parameter; Cerebral palsy; Gait pattern; Spatiotemporal gait parameter
• ISSN: 0915-5287; 2187-5626
• DOI: 10.1589/jpts.26.1317

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to determine the differences in spatiotemporal gait parameters between children with spastic diplegic CP and children with normal development (ND). [Subjects and Methods] Sixteen children (eight children with spastic diplegic CP and eight ND children) were recruited for participation as volunteers in this study. The children with CP had a Gross Motor Function Classification (GMFC) System level of between I and II. [Results] Walking velocity, cadence, stride length, and step width of children with CP with a GMFC of between I and II were a level of 60%, 77%, 73%, and 160%, respectively, of those of ND children. The percentages of right and left double-limb support were 188% and 179% higher, respectively, and the proportion of single limb support was shorter by 83% and 82%. [Conclusion] Our results provide objective evidence of distinct differences in spatiotemporal gait parameters between children with spastic diplegic CP with a GMFC level I or II and ND children and would be helpful to persons involved in the care of these children.