Gait and Posture: Novel Assessments and Interventions in Pediatric Population

A special issue of Children (ISSN 2227-9067). This special issue belongs to the section "Pediatric Orthopedics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (5 November 2022) | Viewed by 12384

Special Issue Editor


E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Psychology, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
Interests: neurorehabilitation; neurophysiology; biomechanics; evidence-based research
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In this Special Issue, we intend to accumulate articles that discuss novel assessment methods and interventions regarding aspects of paediatric gait and posture. Papers that qualitatively discuss the needs and experiences of neurologically and orthopaedically affected paediatric population groups will also be included. We intend to incorporate aspects ranging from (but not limited to):

  1. The study of normal and pathological conditions of paediatric gait and posture.
  2. Methods for the measurement of healthy, pathological gait and posture in paediatric population.
  3. Interventions for management of abnormalities in paediatric gait and posture.
  4. Neurophysiological mechanisms underlying paediatric gait and postural abnormalities.
  5. Psychological, social, and cultural aspects associated with paediatric rehabilitation.
  6. Long-term outcomes of pathological conditions of paediatric gait and posture.
  7. Cost-effectiveness and dose-response analysis of treatment methods.
  8. The needs and experiences of patients and caregivers undergoing paediatric rehabilitation.

This Special Issue, “Gait & Posture: Novel Assessments & Interventions in paediatric population”, is dedicated to addressing existing gaps in the field of paediatric rehabilitation. It will describe the achievements made in clinical care, education, training, and research. Case studies, research, and review articles are welcome.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Shashank Ghai
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Children is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • gait
  • posture
  • biomechanics
  • rehabilitation
  • kinematic analysis
  • physiotherapy
  • experiences
  • quality of life
  • pediatrics
  • caregivers
  • social support
  • systematic review
  • meta-analysis
  • cost-effectiveness

Published Papers (6 papers)

Order results
Result details
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Editorial

Jump to: Research, Other

3 pages, 182 KiB  
Editorial
Novel Methods for Managing and Assessing Gait and Posture in Pediatric Population
by Shashank Ghai
Children 2023, 10(6), 976; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/children10060976 - 31 May 2023
Viewed by 854
Abstract
The ability to walk and maintain proper posture is fundamental to human mobility and independence [...] Full article

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Other

12 pages, 10892 KiB  
Article
Visual Feedback and Virtual Reality in Gait Rehabilitation of Hemiparetic Children and Teenagers after Acquired Brain Injury: A Pilot Study
by Daniele Panzeri, Chiara Genova, Geraldina Poggi, Sandra Strazzer and Emilia Biffi
Children 2022, 9(11), 1760; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/children9111760 - 16 Nov 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1579
Abstract
Hemiparesis as a term refers to a neurological disorder that can be extremely variable, especially with regard to walking abilities. Few works have assessed the use of virtual reality and biofeedback in children and adolescents with hemiparesis. The aim of this study is [...] Read more.
Hemiparesis as a term refers to a neurological disorder that can be extremely variable, especially with regard to walking abilities. Few works have assessed the use of virtual reality and biofeedback in children and adolescents with hemiparesis. The aim of this study is to provide insights about the rehabilitation of hemiparetic children and teenagers with visual biofeedback in a virtual reality environment. Six hemiparetic subjects (mean age 13.13 years, age range (7–18), 4 males) received 20 personalized rehabilitation GRAIL (Gait Real-time Analysis Interactive Lab) sessions plus 20 sessions of traditional physiotherapy. After an initial evaluation of rehabilitation needs, training focused on gait pattern correction (GP), walking endurance (WE), or gross motor functions (GMFs). All subjects were assessed for their gait analysis by GRAIL, the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM), and the 6–Minute Walking Test (6MWT) before and after rehabilitation. All subjects reached their rehabilitation goals, save for one who showed reduced collaboration. In addition, 4 subjects reached a better GP, 3 subjects reported improvements in WE, and 2 subjects improved in GMF. This personalized training with visual biofeedback delivered in a VR setting appears to be effective in modifying motor control and improving gait pattern, in addition to resistance and functional activities, in subjects with hemiparesis. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 3373 KiB  
Article
The Role of Arthroereisis in Improving Sports Performance, Foot Aesthetics and Quality of Life in Children and Adolescents with Flexible Flatfoot
by Alexandru Herdea, Adrian-Gabriel Neculai and Alexandru Ulici
Children 2022, 9(7), 973; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/children9070973 - 29 Jun 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2057
Abstract
Flexible flatfoot represents one of the most common deformities of the lower limb, affecting children and adolescents. Aesthetic aspect, abnormal gait, pain and fatigue are by far the most important symptoms which determine parents to bring their children to the orthopedist. We set [...] Read more.
Flexible flatfoot represents one of the most common deformities of the lower limb, affecting children and adolescents. Aesthetic aspect, abnormal gait, pain and fatigue are by far the most important symptoms which determine parents to bring their children to the orthopedist. We set out to conduct a prospective study, case-controlled, including patients with symptomatic flexible flatfeet operated on by arthroereisis surgery and comparing them to a normal feet group of children age- and sex-matched (control group). Minimum follow-up time was 2 years. In total, 33 patients with bilateral arthroereisis were included and 36 patients formed the control group (12.12 +/− 1.85 years vs. 11.81 ± 2.40 years, p = 0.54). Quality of life improved postoperatively (p = 0.18) and was not different from the control group. Median running time improved postoperatively by 2.25 s (p < 0.0001) and got closer to the median running time from the control group (22.30 s compared to 20.94 s, p = 0.01). All radiological angles improved (p < 0.0001), but quality of life improvement was correlated with talonavicular coverage angle and Meary angle measurements. Flatfoot in children and adolescents may be a condition in which the quality of life and sports performance are decreased, compared to healthy children. Arthroereisis is a minimally invasive surgical procedure with a short recovery time and a short period before resumption of sport activities, which can be useful in certain types of flexible flatfoot due to its effectiveness on symptom reduction. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

Other

Jump to: Editorial, Research

9 pages, 1437 KiB  
Case Report
Gait Alterations in Two Young Siblings with Progressive Pseudorheumatoid Dysplasia
by Silvia Sassi, Silvia Faccioli, Giuseppina Mariagrazia Farella, Roberto Tedeschi, Livia Garavelli and Maria Grazia Benedetti
Children 2022, 9(12), 1982; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/children9121982 - 16 Dec 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1158
Abstract
Progressive pseudorheumatoid dysplasia (PPRD) is an autosomal recessive inherited skeletal dysplasia characterized by progressive non-inflammatory arthropathy affecting primarily the articular cartilage. Currently, little is known about the functional musculoskeletal aspects of these patients. In particular, an abnormal gait pattern has been described, without [...] Read more.
Progressive pseudorheumatoid dysplasia (PPRD) is an autosomal recessive inherited skeletal dysplasia characterized by progressive non-inflammatory arthropathy affecting primarily the articular cartilage. Currently, little is known about the functional musculoskeletal aspects of these patients. In particular, an abnormal gait pattern has been described, without a clear hypothesis of the underlying causes in terms of muscular activity. This study presents the case of two siblings, 4 and 9 years old, a boy and a girl, respectively, suffering from PPRD at different stages of the disease. In addition to the clinical assessment, an instrumental gait analysis was performed. Swelling of the interphalangeal finger joints and fatigue were present in both cases. Gait abnormalities consisted of a relevant reduction in the ankle plantarflexion in the terminal phase of the gait cycle, associated with reduced gastrocnemius EMG activity and increased activity of the tibialis anterior, resulting in overloading at the initial peak of ground reaction forces. Gait anomalies observed were similar in both siblings with PPRD, although at different ages, and confirm walking patterns previously described in the literature. The calf muscle strength deficit and reduced activity during the stance phase of gait present in these two siblings indicate the typical absence of the propulsive phase. A stomping gait pattern, with the foot striking the ground hard on each step, was originally described. Further neurophysiological investigations are required to determine the origin of muscle weakness. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

29 pages, 2012 KiB  
Systematic Review
Auditory Stimulation Improves Gait and Posture in Cerebral Palsy: A Systematic Review with Between- and Within-Group Meta-Analysis
by Shashank Ghai, Ishan Ghai and Susanne Narciss
Children 2022, 9(11), 1752; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/children9111752 - 15 Nov 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2116
Abstract
The past decade has seen an increased interest in the implementation of auditory stimulation (AStim) for managing gait and postural deficits in people with cerebral palsy. Although existing reviews report beneficial effects of AStim on the spatiotemporal and kinematic parameters of gait, there [...] Read more.
The past decade has seen an increased interest in the implementation of auditory stimulation (AStim) for managing gait and postural deficits in people with cerebral palsy. Although existing reviews report beneficial effects of AStim on the spatiotemporal and kinematic parameters of gait, there are still numerous limitations that need to be addressed to correctly interpret these results. For instance, existing reviews have failed to characterize the effects of AStim by conducting separate between and within-group meta-analyses, these reviews have not evaluated the influence of AStim on postural outcomes, and nor have included several high-quality existing trials. In this study, we conducted between- and within-group meta-analyses to establish a state of evidence for the influence of AStim on gait and postural outcomes in people with cerebral palsy. We searched the literature according to PRISMA-P guidelines across 10 databases. Of 1414 records, 14 studies, including a total of 325 people with cerebral palsy, met the inclusion criterion. We report a significant enhancement in gait speed, stride length, cadence, and gross motor function (standing and walking) outcomes with AStim compared to conventional physiotherapy. The findings from this analysis reveal the beneficial influence of AStim on the spatiotemporal and kinematic parameters of gait and postural stability in people with cerebral palsy. Furthermore, we discuss the futurized implementation of smart wearables that can deliver person-centred AStim rehabilitation in people with cerebral palsy. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 3373 KiB  
Case Report
Rehabilitation of a Child with Neonatal Brachial Plexus Palsy: Case Report Described by Parents
by Fátima Frade, Lurdes Neves, Fátima Florindo-Silva, Juan Gómez-Salgado, Lia Jacobsohn and João Frade
Children 2022, 9(9), 1298; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/children9091298 - 26 Aug 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3809
Abstract
This paper presents a case report of a child with Neonatal Brachial Plexus Palsy on the right arm, with C5, C6, and C7 nerve injuries. The symptoms presented at birth and at the time of diagnosis were absence of movement in the right [...] Read more.
This paper presents a case report of a child with Neonatal Brachial Plexus Palsy on the right arm, with C5, C6, and C7 nerve injuries. The symptoms presented at birth and at the time of diagnosis were absence of movement in the right arm but with mobility of the fingers; internal rotation of the injured limb with elbow extension; active flexion of the wrist and fingers; and ulnar deviation of the hand. The rehabilitation plan followed the conservative approach and included different intervention strategies (passive and active mobilisation, kinesio tape, use of splints, bimanual stimulation, etc.) carried out by the occupational therapist and the physical therapist. The rehabilitation allowed the child to have a functional limb for daily activities, with bimanual motor integration and coordination; passive and active range of motion in the different joints except for pronation, sensibility, and maintained strength. In conclusion, it can be said that this case report describes a set of rehabilitation strategies that were used in the conservative treatment of a child with NBPP and the functional gains they allowed. Early intervention, parental involvement in the rehabilitation process, and continuous follow-up of the child favoured the prognosis and allowed the prevention of functional sequelae of the limb. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

Back to TopTop