P 143 - Plantarflexor strength in relation to vertical ground reaction force in terminal stance in children and adolescents with spastic cerebral palsy

Muscle weakness, most pronounced around the ankle [1], is an important cause of gait deviations in cerebral palsy (CP) [2]. Many children with CP experience significant problems supporting their bodyweight and decelerating the downward velocity of the center of mass in terminal stance [3]. This is reflected in a decreased second peak (FZ2) of the vertical ground reaction force (GRF) to less than 100% of bodyweight. The contribution of weak plantarflexor muscles has not been explored previously. A better understanding of which factors reduce FZ2 may help to use FZ2 for clinical decision making.
Source: Gait and Posture - Category: Orthopaedics Authors: Tags: Short communication Source Type: research