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Temporal characteristics of lower extremity moment generation in children with cerebral palsy
Author(s) -
Downing Andrea L.,
Ganley Kathleen J.,
Fay Deanne R.,
Abbas James J.
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
muscle and nerve
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.025
H-Index - 145
eISSN - 1097-4598
pISSN - 0148-639X
DOI - 10.1002/mus.21231
Subject(s) - isometric exercise , cerebral palsy , physical medicine and rehabilitation , medicine , ankle , relaxation (psychology) , physical therapy , moment (physics) , anatomy , physics , classical mechanics
Lower extremity weakness has been documented in children with cerebral palsy (CP). However, the temporal characteristics of moment generation have not been characterized, and they may be important to function. This study tested ankle, knee, and hip flexion and extension moment generation capabilities in children with CP and in able‐bodied children. Maximum voluntary isometric contractions (MVIC), the maximum rates of moment development and relaxation, and the time to produce and reduce the moments were quantified. Relationships between the temporal measures, Gross Motor Function Measure‐66 (GMFM‐66), and MVICs were also examined. Children with CP had significantly reduced MVICs, maximum development, and relaxation rates, and increased times to produce and reduce moments. The maximum rates of moment development and relaxation at some joints were correlated with the GMFM‐66 and MVICs. These results suggest that both the magnitude and temporal characteristics of moment generation need to be targeted during therapeutic interventions for children with CP. Muscle Nerve, 2008