A biomechanical analysis of upper extremity kinetics in children with cerebral palsy using anterior and posterior walkers.

Upper extremity (UE) joint kinetics during aided ambulation is an area of research that is not well characterized in the current literature. Biped UE joints are not anatomically designed to be weight bearing, therefore it is important to quantify UE kinetics during assisted gait. This will help to better understand the biomechanical implications of UE weight bearing, and enable physicians to prescribe more effective methods for treatment and therapy, perhaps minimizing excessive loads and torques.

[Upper extremity kinetics and energy expenditure during walker-assisted gait in children with cerebral palsy].

Objectives: We evaluated the relationships between upper extremity (UE) kinetics and the energy expenditure index during anterior and posterior walker-assisted gait in children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy (CP).

Methods: Ten children (3 boys, 7 girls; mean age 12.1 years; range 8 to 18 years) with spastic diplegic CP, who ambulated with a walker underwent gait analyses that included UE kinematics and kinetics.

Comparison of upper extremity glenohumeral joint forces in children with cerebral palsy using anterior and posterior walkers - biomed 2009.

Walkers are prescribed with the notion that one type of walker will be better for a child than another. One underlying justification for this practice is the theory that one walker may produce less stress on the upper extremities as the patient uses the walker. Nevertheless, upper extremity joint loading is not typically analyzed during walker assisted gait in children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy.

Comparison of upper extremity kinematics in children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy using anterior and posterior walkers.

This prospective study analyzes the upper extremity kinematics of 10 children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy using anterior and posterior walkers. Although both types of walkers are commonly prescribed by clinicians, no quantitative data comparing the two in regards to upper extremity motion has been published. The study methodology included testing of each subject with both types of walkers in a motion analysis laboratory after an acclimation period of at least 1 month.