Work

Tibialis anterior architecture, strength, and gait in individuals with cerebral palsy

Year: 2011

Type: article

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: The relationship of tibialis anterior (TA) muscle architecture, including muscle thickness (MT), cross-sectional area (CSA), pennation angle (PA), and fascicle length (FL), to strength and ankle function was examined in ambulatory individuals with CP and unilateral foot drop. METHODS: Twenty individuals with CP participated in muscle ultrasound imaging, unilateral strength testing, and three-dimensional gait analysis. RESULTS: Muscle size (MT and CSA) was positively related to strength, fast gait velocity, and ankle kinematics during walking. Higher PA was related to a more dorsiflexed ankle position at initial contact and inversely with fast gait velocity. FL was related to strength, fast velocity, and step length at a self-selected speed. CONCLUSIONS: Muscle architecture partially explains the degree of impairment in strength and ankle function in CP. Treatments to increase TA size and strength may produce some gait improvement, but other factors that may contribute to ankle performance deficits must be considered.

Source: Muscle & Nerve

Authors: Daniel C. Bland, Laura A. Prosser, Lindsey A. Bellini, Katharine E. Alter, Diane L. Damiano

Institutions: Duke University, National Institutes of Health, National Institutes of Health Clinical Center

Language: English

Topic: Cerebral Palsy and Movement Disorders

Subfield: Psychiatry and Mental health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funder: National Institutes of Health

Award: G9000243198