Gait Patterns of Children with Idiopathic Hypotonia

Abstract

The characteristics of idiopathic hypotonic gait are poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to identify biomechanical parameters that differentiate between children with hypotonia and an age-matched control group. Twelve children with idiopathic hypotonia, aged 6-13 years, participated in the study. Twenty-two children with no known disorders, aged 6-13 years, served as a control group. A 6-camera Vicon MCam and three force plates were used to collect kinematic and kinetic data during gait. Significant differences in the mean kinematic and kinetic values between groups were tested using a MANOVA. No significant group differences were found for any temporal-spatial variables. Significant group differences (P < .05) were found for sagittal ankle angle and moment, sagittal knee angle and moment, and sagittal hip angle. The majority of deviations appear to be related to impairments in the gastrocnemius complex. A greater awareness of gait deviations in this population will increase our understanding of the disorder and aid in treatment planning.