Medical College of Wisconsin
CTSICores SearchResearch InformaticsREDCap

Comparison of upper extremity kinematics in children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy using anterior and posterior walkers. Gait Posture 2008 Oct;28(3):412-9

Date

04/15/2008

Pubmed ID

18406138

DOI

10.1016/j.gaitpost.2008.01.018

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-54049142482 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   27 Citations

Abstract

This prospective study analyzes the upper extremity kinematics of 10 children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy using anterior and posterior walkers. Although both types of walkers are commonly prescribed by clinicians, no quantitative data comparing the two in regards to upper extremity motion has been published. The study methodology included testing of each subject with both types of walkers in a motion analysis laboratory after an acclimation period of at least 1 month. Overall results showed that statistically, both walkers are relatively similar. With both anterior and posterior walkers, the shoulders were extended, elbows flexed, and wrists extended. Energy expenditure, walking speed and stride length was also similar with both walker types. Several differences were also noted although not statistically significant. Anterior torso tilt was reduced with the posterior walker and shoulder extension and elbow flexion were increased. Outcomes analysis indicated that differences in upper extremity torso and joint motion were not dependent on spasticity or hand dominance. These findings may help to build an understanding of upper extremity motion in walker-assisted gait and potentially to improve walker prescription.

Author List

Strifling KM, Lu N, Wang M, Cao K, Ackman JD, Klein JP, Schwab JP, Harris GF

Authors

Gerald Harris PhD Director in the Orthopaedic Research Engineering Center (OREC) department at Marquette University
Jeffrey P. Schwab MD Adjunct Professor in the Orthopaedic Surgery department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Mei Wang PhD Associate Professor in the Orthopaedic Surgery department at Medical College of Wisconsin




MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Adolescent
Biomechanical Phenomena
Cerebral Palsy
Child
Child, Preschool
Elbow Joint
Energy Metabolism
Equipment Design
Female
Forearm
Humans
Male
Prospective Studies
Range of Motion, Articular
Rotation
Walkers
Wrist Joint