Asymmetric gait results in symmetric muscular demands in affected versus unaffected side ankle and knee extensors in hemiplegic CP children

Abstract

Children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy (CP) exhibit asymmetric gait due to compromised neuromuscular function of the affected lower limb [1]. According to a longstanding theory, natural gait patterns coincide with the minimal metabolic cost [2]. We hypothesized that biomechanical constraints may also play a critical role in determining the way humans move; for example, leading to compensation strategies that help to accommodate compromised paretic limb force production. To test this, we examined gait pattern asymmetries and relative muscle efforts of the ankle and knee extensors between affected versus unaffected lower limbs in hemiplegic CP children.