Kinetic-based indexes for the functional evaluation of gait in diplegic children: a preliminary report

Abstract

We evaluated the feasibility of a set of indexes based on ground reaction forces to discriminate between the degree of severity of spastic diplegia, identified via Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS). A stepwise discriminant ordinal regression analysis performed on a sample of 58 children returned a subset of variables related to the ratio between braking and propulsive vertical forces and anteroposterior timings. Rather, parameters concerning bilateral symmetry were poorly discriminating. The relative simplicity of the selected indexes allows for their easy implementation on existing gait analysis applications for screening purposes.

Keywords:

• Cerebral palsy
• gross motor function
• gait analysis
• force platform

Acknowledgments

The authors commemorate Prof. Giorgio Albertini as the incipit of this paper started from him, as well as for many others. Also, the authors acknowledge Eng. Serena Ferrari for her contribution in data collection.

Disclosure statement

All the authors attest and affirm that all authors haven’t any conflicts of interest and any financial interest. This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.