The effects of weight-bearing manipulations on gait and its underlying neural control mechanisms in toe walking children.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

In toe walking children, impaired maturation of neuromotor control often leads to persistent use of immature motor programs. Understanding the underlying etiology of toe walking in children with cerebral palsy (CP) and idiopathic toe walking (ITW) is crucial for advancing rehabilitation strategies. This study examined gait adaptations and H-reflex responses to varied weight-bearing conditions to determine whether children with ITW and CP exhibit distinct neuromotor control strategies compared to typically developing (TD) peers.

Methods

Eight children with CP (mean age 12.9 ± 2.1 years), eight with ITW (8.6 ± 1.9 years), and 19 TD children (10.0 ± 2.6 years) walked on a treadmill under three conditions: normal bodyweight, 30% bodyweight unloading, and 30% additio

SUBMITTER: Gwerder M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12640939 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature