Abstract
This study aimed at determining if differential responses to locomotor tasks in children with spastic hemiplegia occur on account of step-length asymmetry patterns [symmetrical step-length (S-SL); affected side short (AFFshort), and non-affected short (Non-AFFshort)] observed during on-ground walking. Thirty-two children (5–8 years) were assessed for spatial/temporal measures of gait while walking on the ground with self-selected speed. Data from on-ground walking were compared against three locomotor tasks that were examined on a treadmill: self-imposed walking velocity with bodyweight support of 0% (BWS-0%), self-imposed walking velocity with a BWS of 20% (BWS-20%), and fastest walking velocity with a BWS of 20% and a manually-guided response of the non-affected leg (MGRnon-affected). The primary outcome measures were the spatial (step length) and temporal (single-limb support time) symmetry indices. The step-length asymmetry subgroups responded differently to the locomotor tasks. The MGRnon-affected produced spatial symmetry in the S-SL and Non-AFFshort groups and temporal symmetry in the AFFshort group. The BWS-0% and BWS-20% treadmill walking conditions were insufficient to remediate either spatial or temporal walking asymmetry. In conclusion, acute responses to locomotor tasks are not consistent among asymmetry subgroups, suggesting that they might need individual treatment plans. In spite of the differences in walking characteristics between asymmetry subgroups, the improvement in gait-symmetry arose out of changes in affected and non-affected sides together.
•Children with hCP respond differentially to locomotor tasks based on the gait asymmetry direction•Spatial symmetry in children with short non-affected steps can be improved by manually guiding the non-affected limb•Improvement in gait symmetry results from favorable changes in both the affected and non-affected sides