Identifying the top 10 priorities of adolescents with a physical disability regarding participation in physical activity: A Delphi study.

AIM: To establish consensus among adolescents with a physical disability regarding their priorities for enhancing participation in physical activity and help inform the design of future interventions for participation in physical activity. METHOD: We conducted a national multi-round Delphi study involving adolescents with a physical disability aged 13 to 17 years. Round 1 of the initial survey consisted of open-ended questions. Free-text responses were then analysed thematically, creating items categorized according to the family of participation-related constructs (fPRC). In round 2, participants rated the perceived importance of these items using a 5-point Likert scale. The top 10 priorities were constructed from the highest-ranked items. RESULTS: One hundred and sixteen participants (mean age = 14 years 7 months, range = 13-17 years; 66 males; 58 with cerebral palsy; 43 wheelchair users) completed round 1; 108 items were included in round 2. Fifty-eight items were rated as either 'important' or 'really important' by 70% of participants. The top 10 priorities were rated as important or really important by 82% to 94% of participants with a mean Likert score of 4.40 (range = 4.25-4.63). Seven of the top 10 priorities were related to the environmental context of the fPRC. The other three were related to involvement and the related concept of preference. INTERPRETATION: The priorities identified will help inform future physical activity interventions for adolescents with a physical disability.

Why do children with unilateral cerebral palsy struggle with the single leg stance test? A kinematic and centre of pressure analysis.

BACKGROUND: Children with unilateral cerebral palsy often report difficulty with balance in everyday life. The single leg stance test is a challenging task, requiring rapid sensory input and precise motor adjustment. The purpose of this study was to examine how children with cerebral palsy perform this test, compared to typically developing children. METHODS: Three-dimensional kinematics of the trunk and lower limbs of 10 children with cerebral palsy and 15 children with typical development were captured as they performed a single leg stance test on their non-dominant leg on a force platform. Stance time, joint kinematics and centre of pressure sway were measured and examined. FINDINGS: There was evidence of shorter single leg stance performance and increased mediolateral centre of pressure sway in children with cerebral palsy. Coronal plane movement at the subtalar joint and foot was reduced (-6.0° (-10.9, -1.2°)), while proximally there was greater trunk movement in the coronal (13.5° (2.4°, 24.5°)) and transverse planes (9.9° (0.7, 19°)) and pelvis movement in the transverse plane (6.1° (1.7, 10.5°). An association existed between stance time and mediolateral centre of pressure sway (p < 0.01), with an average reduction in stance time of 0.15 s for every 1 mm/s increase in mediolateral sway. INTERPRETATION: Children with cerebral palsy showed poor mediolateral control of centre of pressure sway, leading to shorter stance time. They have a less effective coronal foot-tilt strategy and excessive trunk and pelvis movement. Interventions aimed at improving single leg stance performance should consider addressing both ankle / foot and trunk motor control.

"Older People Want to Be in Their Own Homes": A Service Evaluation of Patient and Carer Feedback after Pathfinder Responded to Their Emergency Calls.

OBJECTIVE: Older people experience high rates of adverse outcomes following emergency department (ED) presentation. There is growing evidence to support alternative care pathways for certain types of emergency medical services (EMS) calls. Pathfinder is one such service and targets patients aged 65 years and over, whose presenting issues can be safely managed at home by immediate paramedic, occupational therapy, and/or physiotherapy interventions. The aim of this service evaluation was to understand how older people feel about being treated at home as a result of EMS calls and to understand their experiences of the Pathfinder service. METHODS: This was a thematic analysis of open-ended responses recorded from telephone interviews during routine service evaluation with service users (patients or their next-of-kin). RESULTS: Of 573 service users, telephone interviews were conducted with 429 (75%). Five primary themes were identified: (1) professionalism of the multidisciplinary clinical team; (2) "the right service, in the right place, at the right time"; (3) role of Pathfinder in "getting the ball rolling"; (4) lasting effects of the experience on the patient and his or her next-of-kin; (5) value of skilled communication with the older person. CONCLUSION: Older people and their next-of-kin voiced a clear preference for hospital avoidance, and strongly valued the opportunity to be treated in their homes at the time of an EMS call rather than default conveyance to the ED. They appreciated the importance of a skilled multidisciplinary team with a follow-up service that effectively positions itself between the acute hospital and community services.

Pilates-based exercises for gait and balance in ambulant children with cerebral palsy: feasibility and clinical outcomes of a randomised controlled trial.

PURPOSE: To determine if Pilates-based exercise classes could be feasible and effective in changing gait kinematics and balance in ambulant children with Cerebral Palsy (CP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A single-blind multi-centre randomised controlled trial compared a four-week, twice-weekly Pilates-based exercise class to a usual exercise control, for ambulant children with CP. Clinical outcome measures were three-dimensional trunk and lower limb kinematics during walking on level ground, uneven ground and crossing an obstacle; and clinical balance measures. Feasibility outcomes were adherence and enjoyment. RESULTS: Forty-six children (29 male, mean age 10 years 8 months (range 7-17 years), 23 per group) participated. After the four-week intervention, there were no significant between-group differences in trunk or lower limb gait kinematics. Differences were detected in Berg Balance Scale (1.38 points, 95% CI 0.58-2.18) and Functional Walking Test (1.40 points, 95% CI 0.58-2.22), but they were less than the minimum clinically important difference and therefore clinically insignificant. Median class attendance was 5/8 classes. CONCLUSION: Pilates-based exercises did not change lower limb or trunk kinematics during walking in children with CP and had a clinically insignificant impact on balance. Lower than anticipated adherence prompts consideration of more flexible delivery of future interventions. Implications for RehabilitationAmbulant children with CP can experience impairment of trunk control, negatively impacting balance and gait.In this study, Pilates-based exercise classes did not change kinematics of the trunk or lower limbs during walking and led to negligible improvement in functional balance.Children did not manage to do their Home Exercise Programme, indicating that Pilates-based exercise should be delivered within supervised practice.Children missed on average one in three classes due to unforeseen circumstances, so this should be anticipated when planning group classes.

Determining the most effective exercise for gluteal muscle activation in children with cerebral palsy using surface electromyography.

BACKGROUND: Reduced lumbo-pelvic postural control is a common feature of gait in children with Cerebral Palsy (CP). These features are commonly attributed to insufficiency of the hip musculature as well as underlying bony geometry. Exercises aimed at strengthening the hip muscles are frequently prescribed in children with Cerebral Palsy (CP). There is a lack of evidence indicating the most effective exercises in targeting gluteal muscle activation in this population. RESEARCH QUESTION: To determine the most effective exercise for gluteal muscle activation in children with CP. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of children with CP. Surface EMG data from the gluteus medius (GMed) and maximus (GMax) on the more involved limb were recorded as participants completed 6 commonly prescribed gluteal strengthening exercises. EMG was assessed for peak activation, normalised to functional reference values. RESULTS: Data from ten children (5 males, 5 females; mean +- SD age, 13+-3 years) were included for final analysis. The single leg bridge and step up were the most effective exercises for gluteal muscle activation. Differences in activation were found to be statistically significant using Friedman's rank test (GMax p = 0.0001, GMed p = 0.0023). SIGNIFICANCE: This study is the first to show clear differences in activation across gluteal strengthening exercises in a CP population. Exercises which involve weight bearing through a single limb appear most effective in activating the target muscles i.e the single leg bridge and the step up. Exercises involving double limb support or open-chain movements were less effective. The results of this study indicate that careful exercise selection is required to achieve targeted muscle activation in a paediatric CP population. The results of this study will provide guidance for exercise prescription for gluteal strengthening in this population and will inform future research studies on the effectiveness hip muscle strengthening programmes in CP.

Kinematic differences between children with obstetric brachial plexus palsy and healthy controls while performing activities of daily living.

BACKGROUND: Residual shoulder dysfunction and deformity impacts on functional performance in children with obstetric brachial plexus palsy. Clinical understanding of upper limb dynamic movement patterns is difficult with observation alone. This case-control study describes the significant kinematic differences between children with obstetric brachial plexus palsy compared to typically developing children while performing tasks of the modified Mallet Scale. METHODS: Eleven children with obstetric brachial plexus palsy (mean 10 years, range 7-15 years, Narakas group I-III) and 10 typically developing children (mean 9 years 9 months, range 6-15 years) completed three-dimensional upper limb motion analysis using the acromion method to track dynamic scapular movement. Kinematic data were captured by a 4-CODA cx1 optoelectronic tracking system. Participants performed three trials of the modified Mallet scale tasks. Local coordinate systems, segment and joint rotations were defined as recommended by the International Society of Biomechanics. FINDINGS: Joint rotation angles against time of the glenohumeral, thoracohumeral and scapulohumeral joints were calculated. Kinematic findings demonstrated increased internal rotation in all postures, reduced glenohumeral excursion, habitual "trumpet" posture of glenohumeral abduction/elevation and variability in movement strategies. Scapulohumeral rhythm during abduction task was 1.88:1 in typically developing children and 1.04:1 in children with obstetric brachial plexus palsy. INTERPRETATION: Children with obstetric brachial plexus palsy demonstrate deficient external rotation in all tasks. Despite increased postural internal rotation, ability to move through internal rotation range is compromised. The glenohumeral joint showed the greatest range deficit, contributing to abnormal scapulohumeral rhythm. Future sub-group analysis of Narakas Classification is recommended.

Pathological Movements of the Pelvis and Trunk During Gait in Children With Cerebral Palsy: A Cross-Sectional Study With 3-Dimensional Kinematics and Lower Lumbar Spinal Loading.

Background: Increased loading at the lumbar spine, particularly in the coronal plane, has been reported in children with cerebral palsy (CP). As pelvic and trunk movements associated with Trendelenburg and Duchenne type gait are most significant in the coronal plane, the potential exists for lower lumbar spinal loading to be negatively affected in children with CP and these types of movement patterns. Objective: The objective of this study was to assess trunk and pelvic kinematics and lower lumbar spinal loading patterns in children with CP and Trendelenburg and Duchenne type gait. Design: This was a cross-sectional study. Methods: Three-dimensional kinematic (lower limb and thorax) and L5-S1 kinetic data were recorded. Children were divided according to clinical presentation of Trendelenburg or Duchenne type gait. Several discrete kinematic and kinetic parameters were assessed between groups. Results: Three distinct pelvic and trunk movement patterns were identified for children with CP: Trendelenburg, Duchenne, and complex Trendelenburg-Duchenne. Peak L5-S1 lateral bending moments were increased by 62% in children with CP and Duchenne type gait. Children with CP and complex Trendelenburg-Duchenne gait demonstrated the largest deviations from normal, with increased peak ipsilateral and contralateral directed moments of 69% and 54%, respectively, compared with children with typical development. Limitations: A test-retest reliability analysis or measure of minimal detectable change was not conducted as part of this study. Results suggest that measures of minimal detectable change may be high for some of the reported variables. In addition, the inverse dynamic approach determines only the net intersegmental reactive forces that reflect the effect of external loads. Previous studies have shown that spinal loads may be larger than the net intersegmental force. Conclusions: Trendelenburg and Duchenne type movements were not always distinct, and a third type of movement, a combination of the two, was the most common in this study. Clinicians should be aware that children with CP and the Duchenne type or the complex Trendelenburg-Duchenne type of gait pattern experience abnormal loading that may have significant implications for the lower spine in the long term.

Reliability of 3D upper limb motion analysis in children with obstetric brachial plexus palsy.

Kinematics, measured by 3D upper limb motion analysis (3D-ULMA), can potentially increase understanding of movement patterns by quantifying individual joint contributions. Reliability in children with obstetric brachial plexus palsy (OBPP) has not been established. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine between session reliability and measurement errors of 3D-ULMA using the acromion method (AM) in children with OBPP. APPROACH: Ten participants (mean 10 years, range 7-15 years, Narakas classification I-III) completed 3D-ULMA on two occasions, mean interval of 8.6 d (±2.8 d). Kinematic data were captured by a 4-CODA cx1 optoelectronic tracking system. Participants performed three trials of the modified Mallet scale tasks. Local coordinate systems, segment and joint rotations were defined as recommended by the International Society of Biomechanics. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC 2,K) and standard error of measurement (SEM) were calculated for task duration, range and joint angle at point of task achievement (PTA). MAIN RESULTS: Results indicated poor reliability for spatiotemporal parameters and range. Moderate to excellent reliability at PTA was observed in 19/60 variables (ICC: 0.77-0.98; SEM: 3.5°-10.4°). The Abduction Task had the highest (ICC: 0.79-0.98; SEM: 3.5°-10.3°) with External Rotation the lowest reliability. Glenohumeral and thoracohumeral elevation had the most consistent reliability. Scapular protraction/retraction had consistently poor reliability (ICC: 0-0.72; SEM: 3.5°-10.2°) with axial rotation also poor (ICC: 0.00-0.91; SEM: 6.3°-32.8°). This study determined inconsistent test-retest reliability of 3D-ULMA, using AM, to track dynamic performance of functional tasks in children with OBPP. It is the first study to outline measurement error in this population. This information permits more reliable interpretation of future studies of kinematic patterns in children with OBPP.

Obstacle Crossing During Gait in Children With Cerebral Palsy: Cross-Sectional Study With Kinematic Analysis of Dynamic Balance and Trunk Control.

BACKGROUND: Balance problems are common in children who have cerebral palsy (CP) but are active and ambulant. Control of the whole-body center of mass is critical in maintaining dynamic stability during challenging mobility tasks, such as clearing an obstacle while walking. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to compare trunk and lower limb kinematics and center-of-mass control in children with CP and those in children with typical development during obstacle crossing. DESIGN: This was a cross-sectional study. Thirty-four children who were 5 to 17 years of age (17 with CP and 17 with typical development) and matched in age and height completed 2 gait trials involving crossing a 10-cm obstacle. METHODS: Three-dimensional kinematic and kinetic data were captured with a general-purpose 3-dimensional motion tracking system and forceplates. Trunk data were captured with a validated model. RESULTS: All children cleared the obstacle with similar hip and knee kinematics, step length, and single-support duration. In children with CP, step width was increased by 4.81 cm, and center-of-mass velocity was significantly slower at lead limb toe-off (0.31 m/s) and during lead limb clearance (0.2 m/s). Children with CP showed altered trunk and pelvis movement, characterized by significantly greater pelvic obliquity, pelvic tilt, and trunk rotation throughout the task, increased lateral trunk lean during lead limb crossing (3.7°), and greater sagittal trunk movement as the trail limb crossed (5.1°). LIMITATIONS: The study was not powered to analyze differences between children with diplegia and those with hemiplegia. CONCLUSIONS: Children with CP required greater adjustments at the trunk and pelvis to achieve successful obstacle crossing. The increase in trunk movement could have been compensatory for reduced stability distally or for a primary problem reflecting poor proximal control. The findings suggest that rehabilitation should focus on both proximal trunk control and distal stability to improve balance.

Run kinematics with and without a jogging stroller.

BACKGROUND: Jogging strollers have become increasingly popular as they allow a parent the freedom to run without having to leave their children. Few studies have examined the effects of running with a stroller and no study to date has examined the effects on joint kinematics. The aim of this study was to compare lower limb and trunk kinematics while running with and without a jogging stroller. METHODS: Participants (N=15) ran on a 16-metre indoor runway, with and without a stroller, at their self-selected comfortable training speed. Three-dimensional trunk and lower limb kinematics were assessed using the CODA cx1 active marker system. FINDINGS: The jogging stroller led to reduced movement of the trunk in both the transverse [mean difference -11.4°, 95% confidence interval (CI) (-14.8°, -8.2°), p<0.001] and coronal [-2.9°, 95% CI (-0.8°, -4.9°), p=0.009] planes most likely due to fixing of the upper limbs. There was also a 6.7° [95% CI (-9°, -4.6°), p<0.001] increase in forward trunk lean, 2.8° [95% CI (-4.2°, -1.7°), p<0.001] increase in anterior pelvic tilt and a 3° [95% CI (-4.4°, -1.5°), p=0.001] decrease in hip extension. There were no significant changes in knee or ankle kinematics and no changes in stride length, cadence or stance time. INTERPRETATION: Our data suggest that jogging strollers lead to minor changes in trunk, pelvis and hip kinematics with no significant changes at the knee and ankle. Due to the changes in kinematics we suggest that flexibility work for the spine, pelvis and hips may be recommended.

Do children with cerebral palsy change their gait when walking over uneven ground?

Independently ambulant children with Cerebral Palsy (CP) often report balance difficulties when walking in challenging settings. The aim of this study was to compare gait in children with CP to typically developing (TD) children walking over level ground and uneven ground, as an evaluation of dynamic balance. Thirty-four children participated, 17 with CP (10 hemiplegia and 7 diplegia, mean age 10 years) and 17 TD (mean age 10 years 1 month). Three-dimensional kinematic and kinetic data of the lower limbs and trunk were captured during walking over level and uneven ground using Codamotion®. Statistical analysis was performed using a mixed-effects model two-factor Analysis of Variance (Group×Surface). Over both surfaces, children with CP showed increased trunk movement in the sagittal (Group effect, p<0.001) and transverse planes (p<0.001), and increased pelvic movement in the coronal plane (p=0.008), indicating impaired trunk control. Peak separation between the centre of mass and centre of pressure was reduced in CP, indicating impaired dynamic balance (p=0.027). TD children made a number of significant adaptations to uneven ground, including reduced hip extension (mean difference 3.4°, 95% CI [-5.3, -1.0] p=0.006), and reduced ankle movement in the sagittal (5.2°, 95% CI [0.01, 10] p=0.049) and coronal planes (2.4°, 95% CI [0.3, 4.5], p=0.029), but these adaptations were not measured in CP. A significant Group×Surface interaction was detected for knee sagittal range (p=0.009). The findings indicate that children with CP walk show impaired control of trunk movement and are less able to adapt their gait to uneven ground, particularly at the ankle.

Normalisation method can affect gluteus medius electromyography results during weight bearing exercises in people with hip osteoarthritis (OA): a case control study.

Surface electromyography (sEMG) is used to assess muscle activation during therapeutic exercise, but data are significantly affected by inter-individual variability and requires normalisation of the sEMG signal to enable comparison between individuals. The purpose of this study was to compare two normalisation methods, a maximal method (maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC)) and non-maximal peak dynamic method (PDM), on gluteus medius (GMed) activation using sEMG during three weight-bearing exercises in people with hip osteoarthritis (OA) and healthy controls. Thirteen people with hip OA and 20 controls performed three exercises (Squat, Step-Up, Step-Down). Average root-mean squared EMG amplitude based on MVIC and PDM normalisation was compared between groups for both involved and uninvolved hips using Mann-Whitney tests. Using MVIC normalisation, significantly higher normalised GMed EMG amplitudes were found in the OA group during all Step-up and down exercises on the involved side (p=0.02-0.001) and most of the Step exercises on the uninvolved side (p=0.03-0.04), but not the Squat (p>0.05), compared to controls. Using PDM normalisation, significant between-group differences occurred only for Ascending Squat (p=0.03) on the involved side. MVIC normalisation demonstrated higher inter-trial relative reliability (ICCs=0.78-0.99) than PDM (ICCs=0.37-0.84), but poorer absolute reliability using Standard Error of Measurement. Normalisation method can significantly affect interpretation of EMG amplitudes. Although MVIC-normalised amplitudes were more sensitive to differences between groups, there was greater variability using this method, which raises concerns regarding validity. Interpretation of EMG data is strongly influenced by the normalisation method used, and this should be considered when applying EMG results to clinical populations.

Three-dimensional gait analysis outcomes at 1 year following decompressive surgery for cervical spondylotic myelopathy.

PURPOSE: Gait impairment is an important feature of cervical sponydylotic myelopathy (CSM) as it can have a detrimental effect on function and quality of life. The aim of this study was to measure changes in gait in people with CSM following surgical decompression. METHODS: Thirteen participants with clinical and radiological evidence of CSM underwent three-dimensional gait analysis, using a full lower limb kinematic, kinetic and electromyography protocol, before and 12 months after decompressive surgery. RESULTS: No significant post-operative changes were detected in temporal-spatial or kinematic parameters. Kinetic data showed significant improvements in knee power absorption [mean improvement, 0.42 watts per kilogram (W/kg)], ankle plantarflexor moment (0.1 Nm/kg) and ankle power generation (0.55 W/kg). Electromyography showed a 4.7 % increase in tibialis anterior activation time. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that improvement in locomotor function can be achieved after surgery. Future studies should explore the potential for further recovery of gait through targeted neuro-rehabilitation.

Dissecting the links between cerebellum and dystonia.

Dystonia is a common movement disorder characterized by sustained muscle contractions. These contractions generate twisting and repetitive movements or typical abnormal postures, often exacerbated by voluntary movement. Dystonia can affect almost all the voluntary muscles. For several decades, the discussion on the pathogenesis has been focused on basal ganglia circuits, especially striatal networks. So far, although dystonia has been observed in some forms of ataxia such as dominant ataxias, the link between the cerebellum and dystonia has remained unclear. Recent human studies and experimental data mainly in rodents show that the cerebellum circuitry could also be a key player in the pathogenesis of some forms of dystonia. In particular, studies based on behavioral adaptation paradigm shed light on the links between dystonia and cerebellum. The spectrum of movement disorders in which the cerebellum is implicated is continuously expanding, and manipulation of cerebellar circuits might even emerge as a candidate therapy in the coming years.

Bilateral sleeve fractures of the patella in a 12-year-old boy with hereditary spastic paraparesis and crouch gait.

This is the first reported case of bilateral sleeve fractures of the patellae in a child with crouch gait. A 12-year-old boy with hereditary spastic paraparesis (HSP), who was found to have mid-stance crouch of 20° on previous gait analysis, presented with pain of gradual onset and limited mobility. There was no history of trauma. Three-dimensional gait analysis showed that extensor mechanism function during loading response was intact, but knee flexion in swing was significantly reduced, indicating protective guarding by rectus femoris. X-rays showed bilateral minimally displaced sleeve fractures of the patellae. These were treated with immobilisation in cylinder casts in extension for 4 weeks. Follow-up X-rays showed that the fractures had successfully united and the patient progressed to full weight bearing and mobility as tolerated.

Electromyographic characteristics of gait impairment in cervical spondylotic myelopathy.

AIM: Gait impairment in cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is characterised by a number of kinematic and kinetic abnormalities. Surface electromyography (EMG) can evaluate the contributions of individual muscles to a movement pattern and provide insight into the underlying impairments that characterise an abnormal gait. This study aimed to analyse EMG signals from major lower limb muscles in people with CSM and healthy controls during gait. METHODS: Sixteen people with radiologically confirmed CSM and 16 matched healthy controls participated in gait analysis. Surface EMG was recorded during walking from four lower limb muscles bilaterally. The timing of muscle activation, relative amplitudes of each burst of activity and baseline activation during gait, and the muscles' responses to lengthening as a measure of spasticity were compared using previously validated methods of EMG analysis. RESULTS: Compared to healthy controls, people with CSM had prolonged duration of activation of biceps femoris (12.5% longer) and tibialis anterior (12.4%), prolonged co-activation of rectus femoris and biceps femoris (5.14%), and impaired scaling of the amplitude of rectus femoris and biceps femoris. Muscle activation in response to lengthening was similar between groups. CONCLUSION: The results provide evidence for paresis as a contributory factor to gait impairment in CSM, indicated by impaired amplitude and the need for proximal co-activation to compensate for lack of distal power generation. Poor proprioception may have contributed to prolonged activation of tibialis anterior. Analysis of muscle responses to lengthening suggested that spasticity was not an important contributor. These findings have implications for the assessment and rehabilitation of gait impairment in CSM.

Gait impairment in cervical spondylotic myelopathy: comparison with age- and gender-matched healthy controls.

INTRODUCTION: Gait impairment is a primary symptom of cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM); however, little is known about specific kinetic and kinematic gait parameters. The objectives of the study were: (1) to compare gait patterns of people with untreated CSM to those of age- and gender-matched healthy controls; (2) to examine the effect of gait speed on kinematic and kinetic parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixteen patients with CSM were recruited consecutively from a neurosurgery clinic, and 16 healthy controls, matched to age (± 5 years) and gender, were recruited for comparison. Patients and controls underwent three-dimensional gait analysis using a Vicon(®) motion analysis system, at self-selected speed over a 10-m track. Controls were also assessed at the speed of their CSM match. RESULTS: At self-selected speed, the CSM group walked significantly more slowly, with shorter stride lengths and longer double support duration. They showed significant decreases in several kinematic and kinetic parameters, including sagittal range of motion at the hip and knee, ankle plantarflexion, anteroposterior ground reaction force (GRF) at toe-off, power absorption at the knee in loading response and terminal stance, and power generation at the ankle. At matched speed, the CSM group showed significant decreases in knee flexion during swing, total sagittal knee range of motion, peak ankle plantarflexion and anteroposterior GRF. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS: The findings suggested that people with CSM have significant gait abnormalities that have not been previously reported. In particular, there are key differences in the motor strategies used in the terminal stance phase of gait that cannot be explained by speed alone.

Reliability of surface electromyography timing parameters in gait in cervical spondylotic myelopathy.

The aims of this study were to validate a computerised method to detect muscle activity from surface electromyography (SEMG) signals in gait in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM), and to evaluate the test-retest reliability of the activation times designated by this method. SEMG signals were recorded from rectus femoris (RF), biceps femoris (BF), tibialis anterior (TA), and medial gastrocnemius (MG), during gait in 12 participants with CSM on two separate test days. Four computerised activity detection methods, based on the Teager-Kaiser Energy Operator (TKEO), were applied to a subset of signals and compared to visual interpretation of muscle activation. The most accurate method was then applied to all signals for evaluation of test-retest reliability. A detection method based on a combined slope and amplitude threshold showed the highest agreement (87.5%) with visual interpretation. With respect to reliability, the standard error of measurement (SEM) of the timing of RF, TA and MG between test days was 5.5% stride duration or less, while the SEM of BF was 9.4%. The timing parameters of RF, TA and MG designated by this method were considered sufficiently reliable for use in clinical practice, however the reliability of BF was questionable.