The influence of soft tissue contractures on the walking ability of patients with spastic cerebral palsy
Nippon Seikeigeka Gakkai Zasshi, 66 (7):
621--632 (July 1992)Abstract
The influence of soft tissue contractures on walking ability was investigated in 73 patients with spastic cerebral palsy. The relationship between the degree of soft tissue contractures and ambulation level was analyzed using Hayashi's quantification theory type II. The walking energy expenditure and electromyography magnitude (E.M.G. magnitude) were also measured in 11 patients who could walk on treadmill. Hayashi's quantification theory type II showed a significant correlation between the degree of soft tissue contractures and ambulation level. Both energy expenditure and E.M.G. magnitude were found to be significantly higher than in normal subjects. The levels increased in relation to walking speed. A significant correlation between walking energy expenditure and the degree of soft tissue contractures was found using multiple regression analysis. From these results, it was concluded that the soft tissue contractures had a strong influence on ambulation level and walking energy expenditure in spastic cerebral palsy.