Cerebral Palsy Gait Analysis Can Evaluate Ways To Help People Walk Better

 

Methods used in cerebral palsy gait analysis include photos and videos of the person walking and computers to analyze the walk.  Special equipment known as force plates can be placed on the floor to show where someone’s feet touch the ground.  Electromyography machines can record muscle activity.  There is no one standard treatment for all children or adults with cerebal palsy as signs of the disorder vary.

 

A cerebral palsy gait that is often found in children with spastic CP is known as the one scissors gait.  This is a characteristic walking rhythm where both legs are affected by spasticity and turn in to cross at the knees.  The cause is the muscles being very stiff and contracted.  Athethoid is the second most common type of cerebal palsy and signs are usually slow, writhing movements.  Ataxic is rare but can involve an unsteady gait with the feet far apart.