A1 Journal article (refereed)
Wearing an ultrasound probe during walking does not influence lower limb joint kinematics in adolescents with cerebral palsy and typically developing peers (2024)
Cenni, F., Alexander, N., Laatikainen-Raussi, I., Sukanen, M., & Finni, T. (2024). Wearing an ultrasound probe during walking does not influence lower limb joint kinematics in adolescents with cerebral palsy and typically developing peers. Gait and Posture, 112, 134-139. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gaitpost.2024.05.017
JYU authors or editors
Publication details
All authors or editors: Cenni, Francesco; Alexander, Nathalie; Laatikainen-Raussi, Iida; Sukanen, Maria; Finni, Taija
Journal or series: Gait and Posture
ISSN: 0966-6362
eISSN: 1879-2219
Publication year: 2024
Publication date: 17/05/2024
Volume: 112
Pages range: 134-139
Publisher: Elsevier
Publication country: United Kingdom
Publication language: English
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gaitpost.2024.05.017
Publication open access: Openly available
Publication channel open access: Partially open access channel
Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/95563
Abstract
Enhancing traditional three-dimensional gait analysis with a portable ultrasound device at the lower-limb muscle-tendon level enables direct measurement of muscle and tendon lengths during walking. However, it is important to consider that the size of the ultrasound probe and its attachment on the lower limb may potentially influence gait pattern.
Research question
What is the effect of wearing an ultrasound probe at the lower limb in adolescents with cerebral palsy and typically developing peers?
Methods
Eleven individuals with cerebral palsy and nine age-matched typically developing peers walking barefoot at their self-selected speed were analyzed. Data collection occurred under three conditions: the reference condition (GAIT), and two conditions involving placement of the ultrasound probe over the distal medial gastrocnemius-Achilles tendon junction (MTJ) and over the medial gastrocnemius mid-belly to capture fascicles (FAS). Data processing included calculating differences between conditions using root mean square error (RMSE) for joint kinematics and comparing them to the overall mean difference. Additionally, Spearman correlations were calculated to examine the relationship between kinematic RMSEs and walking speed.
Results
No significant differences in stance phase duration or walking speed were observed among the three conditions. Average RMSEs were below 5° for all parameters and condition comparisons in both groups. In both the TD and CP groups, RMSE values during the swing phase were higher than those during the stance phase for all joints. No significant correlations were found between height or body mass and swing phase RMSEs. In the CP group, there was a significant correlation between joint kinematics RMSEs and differences in walking speed at the hip, knee and ankle joints when comparing the MTJ condition with the GAIT condition.
Keywords: cerebral palsy; young people; walking (motion); steps; muscles; joints (musculoskeletal system); motion analysis; biomechanics; research equipment; ultrasound
Free keywords: overground walking; marker-based gait analysis; dynamic imaging; ultrasound; joint kinematics; muscle-tendon unit
Contributing organizations
Related projects
- Integrating SENSorimotor disorders with ankle hyper-resistance in cerebral palsy
- Juutinen, Taija
- European Commission
- How are passive and active muscle-tendon properties associated with gait performance in children with cerebral palsy?
- Cenni, Francesco
- Promobilia Foundation
Ministry reporting: Yes
VIRTA submission year: 2024
Preliminary JUFO rating: 1