Independently ambulatory children with spina bifida experience near-typical knee and ankle joint moments and forces during walking.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Spina bifida, a neurological defect, can result in lower-limb muscle weakness. Altered ambulation and reduced musculoskeletal loading can yield decreased bone strength in individuals with spina bifida, yet individuals who remain ambulatory can exhibit normal bone outcomes.

Research question

During walking, how do lower-limb joint kinematics and moments and tibial forces in independently ambulatory children with spina bifida differ from those of children with typical development?

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed data from 16 independently ambulatory children with spina bifida and 16 children with typical development and confirmed that tibial bone strength was similar between the two groups. Plantar flexor muscle strength was measured by manual muscle test

SUBMITTER: Lee MR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9772073 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature