Upper extremity kinetics and energy expenditure during walker-assisted gait in children with cerebral palsy
Abstract
Methods: Ten children (3 boys, 7 girls; mean age 12.1 years; range 8 to 18 years) with spastic diplegic CP, who ambulated with a walker underwent gait analyses that included UE kinematics and kinetics. Upper extremity kinetics were obtained using instrumented walker handles. Energy expenditure index was obtained using the heart rate method (EEIHR) by subtracting resting heart rate from walking heart rate, and dividing by the walking speed. Correlations were sought between the kinetic variables and the EEIHR and temporal and stride parameters.
Results: In general, anterior walker use was associated with a higher EEIHR. Several kinetic variables correlated well with temporal and stride parameters, as well as the EEIHR. All of the significant correlations (r>0.80; p<0.005) occurred during anterior walker use and involved joint reaction forces (JRF) rather than moments. Some variables showed multiple strong correlations during anterior walker use, including the medial JRF in the wrist, the posterior JRF in the elbow, and the inferior and superior JRFs in the shoulder.
Conclusion: The observed correlations may indicate a relationship between the force used to advance the body forward within the walker frame and an increased EEIHR. More work is needed to refine the correlations, and to explore relationships with other variables, including the joint kinematics.
Keywords
Details
Primary Language
English
Subjects
Health Care Administration
Journal Section
Research Article
Authors
Katherine Konop
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Kelly Strifling
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Mei Wang
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Kevin Cao
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Daniel Eastwood
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Scott Jackson
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Jeffrey Ackman
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Haluk Altiok
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Jeffrey Schwab
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Gerald Harris
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Publication Date
May 13, 2009
Submission Date
March 7, 2014
Acceptance Date
-
Published in Issue
Year 2009 Volume: 43 Number: 2