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 editorsCenni, Francesco; Alexander, Nathalie; Laatikainen-Raussi, Iida; Sukanen, Maria; Finni, Taija

Journal or seriesGait and Posture

ISSN0966-6362

eISSN1879-2219

Publication year2024

Publication date17/05/2024

Volume112

Pages range134-139

PublisherElsevier

Publication countryUnited Kingdom

Publication languageEnglish

DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.gaitpost.2024.05.017

Publication open accessOpenly available

Publication channel open accessPartially open access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX)https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/95563


Abstract

Background
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.


Keywordscerebral palsyyoung peoplewalking (motion)stepsmusclesjoints (musculoskeletal system)motion analysisbiomechanicsresearch equipmentultrasound

Free keywordsoverground walking; marker-based gait analysis; dynamic imaging; ultrasound; joint kinematics; muscle-tendon unit


Contributing organizations


Related projects


Ministry reportingYes

VIRTA submission year2024

Preliminary JUFO rating1


Last updated on 2024-02-07 at 23:26