The variability of force platform data in normal and cerebral palsy gait

Citation
R. White et al., The variability of force platform data in normal and cerebral palsy gait, CLIN BIOMEC, 14(3), 1999, pp. 185-192
Citations number
15
Categorie Soggetti
Ortopedics, Rehabilitation & Sport Medicine
Journal title
CLINICAL BIOMECHANICS
ISSN journal
02680033 → ACNP
Volume
14
Issue
3
Year of publication
1999
Pages
185 - 192
Database
ISI
SICI code
0268-0033(199903)14:3<185:TVOFPD>2.0.ZU;2-J
Abstract
Objective. To determine the natural variability and symmetry of force platf orm parameters in normal and cerebral palsy gait. Design. Force platform data has been analysed using coefficient of variatio n, analysis of variances and symmetry index. Background. It is important to establish the natural variability of force p latform data so that changes in gait due to natural variability and those d ue to intervention can be determined. Methods. Force platform data and walking speed were recorded in 15 normal v olunteers and 11 children with cerebral palsy on 3 consecutive days. Five r ecordings were made of each leg on each day. Results. The force platform parameters in both groups showed greater asymme try in the horizontal plane. In the cerebral palsy group significant asymme try was found in all 3 directions. The variation of the vertical ground rea ction force peaks (Fz(1) and Fz(3)) and of the anterior-posterior negative peak (Fy(3)) for both groups was low. Fz(3) was the most reproducible force parameter. The other force parameters showed high variability and are not considered reliable measures of gait. The temporal parameters and the walki ng speed were reproducible measures. Conclusions. Only selected ground reaction force parameters showed acceptab le stability and reproducibility. Therefore caution has to be taken in the selection of these parameters. when assessing the effects of any interventi on on cerebral palsy gait.