Simulated gait patterns: the resulting effects on gait parameters, dynamic electromyography, joint moments, and physiological cost index

Equinus, crouch and crouch/equinus are common gait patterns seen in children with cerebral palsy. Six normal subjects simulated each of the above gait abnormalities to determine the effect on gait parameters, electromyography, joint moments and physiological cost index. Assessment of normal and the pathological gait patterns was performed using gait analysis. The results indicate that as the complexity of the gait pattern increases, the gait parameters decrease and the physiological cost index increases. Although abnormalities were found in electromyographic activity and joint moments, the patterns were similar to those found in children with cerebral palsy when walking in equinus, crouch and crouch/equinus. Abnormal joint positions produce significant effects on the parameters of gait used to assess the child with cerebral palsy. During interpretation of the gait analysis data significant emphasis must be placed on clinical evaluation and the determination of primary and secondary responses.