P 065 - Influence of equinus correction on mechanical advantage of the plantarflexors during gait in children with cerebral palsy

To walk, muscle forces must overcome the individual ’s body weight and resulting ground reaction forces (GRF). The relationship between muscle force and GRF depends on the mechanical advantage, which for the plantarflexors is determined by the ratio of external (GRF) to internal (Achilles tendon) moment arms about the ankle. Children with cerebral palsy (CP) often adopt an equinus gait pattern that reduces the external moment arm length. This is commonly treated surgically by calf-lengthening. However, the internal moment arm may also be smaller in children with CP [1].

Source: Gait and Posture - July 18, 2018 Category: Orthopaedics Authors: Hannah Carruth, Gabor Barton, Daniele Trinca, Gill Holmes, Alfie Bass, Vasilios Baltzopoulos, Constantinos Maganaris, Thomas D. O ’Brien Tags: Short communication Source Type: research