Walking Dynamic Among Children With Brain Damge

The Effect of Changing Walking Conditions on Walking Dynamic Characteristics Among Children Post a Severe Traumatic Brain Injury, Cerebral Palsy and Typically Developed (TD) Control.

The goal of the present study was to look at the effect of changing walking parameters on the dynamic walking characteristics among children post severe traumatic brain injury, children with cerebral palsy and typically developed controls.

leisure time physical activity by the Godin and Shephard (G&S) questionnaire. Balance tests - the Timed Up and Go test (TUG) and functional reach test (FRT). Maximal isometric strength was assessed by using a hand held dynamometer; walking dynamics were recorded by an electronic mat, and the 6 minute walk test, energy expenditure index (EEI) and perceived exertion by the OMNI scale.

Inclusion Criteria:

Post Traumatic Brain Injury

• Post severe closed head injury (Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score at admission to emergency room of ≤8
• At least one year post trauma
• Ages 7 to 13 years
• Independent ambulation (foot orthoses permitted)

Children with Cerebral palsy

• GMFCS 1 or 2
• Ages 7 to 13 years
• Able to stand up from a chair independently and maintain standing for more than 5 seconds without falling, without obvious limitation in the passive range of motion of lower extremities.

Typically Developed age and sex controls exclusion criteria:

• Children who could not fulfill simple instructions