Kinematic gait parameters of a child with cerebral palsy: Comparison between different forms of support

The aim of this study was to evaluate the kinematic characteristics of gait in children with spastic diplegia aided by different forms of support (one crutch, two crutches, and scapular girdle), and thus determine the most appropriate way to train gait in children with spastic diplegia based on biomechanical characteristics. The study subject was a female, nine-year-old child, diagnosed with cerebral palsy of spastic diplegia type. The following instruments were used for clinical evaluation of gross motor function: Gross Motor Function Classification System - GMFCS, Gross Motor Function Measure - GMFM 88, and Modified Ashworth Scale. The child performed five repetitions of gait with each type of support. By kinematic analysis, spatiotemporal and angular variables of hip and knee in the sagittal plane were obtained. The values closest to typical gait were obtained with 2 crutches, followed by support with scapular girdle and one crutch. It was possible to observe that gait with two crutches was the most appropriate form of support, considering the functionality and independence of the child assessed; however, gait supported by scapular girdle may be appropriate for gait training in clinical practice, because it stimulates different spatiotemporal and angular parameters.