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Spasticity of ankle plantarflexors (PF) is one of primary impairments among children with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy (USCP) which disturbs foot rockers during walking causing walking insufficiency. Few studies addressed impact of equinus gait in children with USCP on center of mass (COM) motion without clarifying the reason behind; spasticity, tightness or contractures of PF. The aim of this cross section study was to investigate the effect of PF spasticity on vertical COM in children with USCP compared to typically developing children (TDC). Ten independent ambulant children with USCP and ten TDC participated in this study, their ages ranged from 3-6 years. Children with USCP had spastic PF ranged from grade 1-3 according to Modified Tardieu Scale, had no tightness of PF, had equinus gait that was defined kinematically during single support time of gait cycle. 3D gait analysis was conducted to measure the vertical displacement of COM for all children and spatial-temporal parameters. Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare two groups. Results revealed a significant increase of vertical displacement of COM in children with USCP compared to TDC, gait parameters including speed and step length showed significant lowering with no significant changes of cadence at level 0.05. The current study showed that effects of spastic PF during walking in children with USCP are not only segmental or ipsilateral but general on walking pattern including disturbed smooth transition of COM and excessive energy consumption. Early management of primary PF spasticity could attribute to better endurance and safe level walking.

Planterflexor spasticity; Center of mass; Unilateral spastic,