Gait Analysis in Children with Cerebral Palsy: Are Plantar Pressure Insoles a Reliable Tool?

Abstract

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a common cause of motor disability, and pedobarography is a useful, non-invasive, portable, and accessible tool; is easy to use in a clinical setting; and can provide plenty of information about foot–soil interaction and gait deviations. The reliability of this method in children with CP is lacking. The aim of this study is to investigate test–retest reliability and minimal detectable change (MDC) of plantar pressure insole variables in children with CP. Eight children performed two trials 8 ± 2.5 days apart, using foot insoles to collect plantar pressure data. Whole and segmented foot measurements were analyzed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). The variability of the data was measured by calculating the standard error of measurement (SEM) and the MDC/ICC values demonstrated high test–retest reliability for most variables, ranging from good to excellent (ICC ≥ 0.60). The SEM and the MDC values were considered low for the different variables. The variability observed between sessions may be attributed to the heterogeneous sub-diagnosis of CP.

Plantar Pressure Analysis in Children with Cerebral Palsy While Wearing Orthoses - a Descriptive Study

“…The use of AFO did not signi cantly impact any of the mean values for the variables in study, when referencing to the means of the same variables in children with CP walking in regular footwear. Similar to the previous study [32], the contact time has a wide range of mean and standard deviation values -Fig. 4.…”

“…Mean values and standard deviation for each variable and participant sub-group was calculated. To identify relevant changes, and since no reference values were found in current literature, the previously calculated values for Minimal Detectable Change (MDC) for pedobarography measurements in children with CP while walking in regular footwear were used [32].…”

“…The data collection protocol was similar to the one used in previous research [32], and was performed in a clinical setting where the participants usually had their physical therapy sessions. Clinical history and a brief physical exam (mass, height, lower limb posture, selective motor control tests and gastrocnemius length and spasticity) [26] were conducted in the rst session.…”

Efficacy of Robot-Assisted Gait Therapy Compared to Conventional Therapy or Treadmill Training in Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis

“…Motor disabilities experienced by children with CP, such as muscle tone disorders, stiffness, decreased joint range of motion and poor trunk motor control, among others, cause a reduction of their functional mobility, quality of life and personal autonomy or independence [93]. Three functions highly affected are gait ability, the capability to maintain posture in seating and standing positions and gross motor skills [94][95][96]. Once children receive a diagnosis of CP it is necessary to carry out an early care treatment adapted to the characteristics of their pathology.…”

Effects of robot rehabilitation on the motor function and gait in children with cerebral palsy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…Inappropriate muscle contraction due to lack of central control causes musculoskeletal and gait disorders ( Galli et al, 2015 ; Koussou et al, 2023 ). Specifically, displacement or deformity is most commonly seen in the hip and ankle joints, with the lack of control in the ankle joint being the most prominent ( Raposo et al, 2022 ). These ankle joint problems cause unnatural ground contact, abnormal pressure distribution and changes in gait and posture ( Galli et al, 2015 ).…”