In hemiplegic gait the paretic lower limb provides less muscle power and shows a briefer stance compared with the unaffected limb. Yet, a longer stance and a higher power can be obtained from the paretic lower limb if gait speed is increased. This supports the existence of a 'learned non-use' phenomenon, similar to that underlying some asymmetric impairments of the motion of the eyes and of the...

BACKGROUND Our aim was to evaluate the outcomes of combined hamstring release and rectus transfer in children with crouch gait using physical examination and gait analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 19 patients (38 knee joints) with crouch were evaluated by static examination and computerized analysis with dynamic EMG. The Ely test was positive together with prolonged and increased act...

Identification and classification of common gait deviation patterns in children with cerebral palsy facilitates communication between healthcare providers, provides insight into the natural history of functional ambulation, guides clinical decision making, and clarifies outcomes assessment. Previous classification schemes have been based on experiential and intuitive approaches or systematic an...

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the impact of an eight-week strength training program targeting multiple muscle groups using basic inexpensive free weights and resistance devices, on gait and perceptions of body image and functional competence. DESIGN A randomized control trial. SETTING A school for children with special needs in a disadvantaged suburb in Cape Town. SUBJECTS Thirty-one independentl...

Cerebral palsy (CP) children present complex and heterogeneous motor disorders that cause gait deviations.Clinical gait analysis (CGA) is needed to identify, understand and support the management of gait deviations in CP. CGA assesses a large amount of quantitative data concerning patients' gait characteristics, such as video, kinematics, kinetics, electromyography and plantar pressure data.Com...

Background: Cerebral palsy (CP) is a persistent disorder of movement and posture caused by non-progressive pathological processes of the immature brain. This is the natural history of the gait disorder in children with more severe diplegia and in the majority of children with spastic quadriplegia. One of the most common movement abnormalities among children with cerebral palsy is a crouched gai...

BACKGROUND Recent studies have questioned the efficacy of releasing hip flexion contractures and the resulting ankle position after tendoachilles lengthening in ambulating children with cerebral palsy (CP). METHODS Twenty-three ambulatory children with CP underwent 96 soft tissue-lengthening procedures without bony surgery. Preoperative and postoperative clinical and computerized gait data we...

Crouch gait is common in individuals with cerebral palsy. Recently published data has shown that distal femoral extension osteotomy with patellar tendon advancement (DFEO/PTA) is an effective procedure to correct crouch gait in the presence of a knee flexion contracture and quadriceps insufficiency. Short length and slow lengthening rate (velocity) of the hamstrings are indications for hamstrin...