Assessment of relation between gait and static balance in children with cerebral palsy

Introduction. Cancer, after cardiovascular disease, is the second most common cause of death both in Poland anIntroduction. In children with cerebral palsy, gait and balance assessment allows for an objective gait pattern evaluation as well as for therapy planning and assessment. It was hypothesised that asymmetry of the lower limbs load in a standing position causes asymmetry of spatiotemporal gait parameters. Material and methods. 19 children with spastic diplegia and 20 healthy children participated in this study. 3D gait analysis was performed using the BTS Smart optoelectronic system. Stabilometric evaluation was performed using the Zebris Force Plate. Additionally, the Symmetry Index for selected gait and balance parameters was calculated. Results and conclusion. It was shown that symmetry of gait parameters and lower limb load in standing position differs significantly between the study and control groups. There was no correlation confirmed between lower limbs symmetry in standing position and symmetry of gait parameters. It was shown that 80% of children with cerebral palsy had asymmetrical gait patterns. It has also been shown that asymmetry of lower limbs load in a standing position correlates with an asymmetry of spatiotemporal gait parameters. The majority of children with spastic diplegia present asymmetrical gait patterns and asymmetrical balance parameters, but it has no influence on gait symmetry.