Can strength training predictably improve gait kinematics? A pilot study on the effects of hip and knee extensor strengthening on lower-extremity alignment in cerebral palsy.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Computer simulations have demonstrated that excessive hip and knee flexion during gait, as frequently seen in ambulatory children with cerebral palsy (CP), can reduce the ability of muscles to provide antigravity support and increase the tendency of hip muscles to internally rotate the thigh. These findings suggest that therapies for improving upright posture during gait also may reduce excessive internal rotation.

Objective

The goal of this study was to determine whether strength training can diminish the degree of crouched, internally rotated gait in children with spastic diplegic CP.

Design

This was a pilot prospective clinical trial.

Methods

Eight children with CP participated in an 8-week progressive resistance exercise program, with 3-dimension

SUBMITTER: Damiano DL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2816027 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature