Kinematic and Kinetic Gait Parameters Can Distinguish between Idiopathic and Neurologic Toe-Walking

Andreas Habersack, Stefan Franz Fischerauer, Tanja Kraus, Hans-Peter Holzer and Martin Svehlik
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Andreas Habersack: Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria
Stefan Franz Fischerauer: Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria
Tanja Kraus: Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria
Hans-Peter Holzer: Institute of Human Movement Science, Sport and Health, Karl Franzens University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
Martin Svehlik: Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 2, 1-10

Abstract: The differentiation between mild forms of toe-walking (equinus) in cerebral palsy (CP) and idiopathic toe-walking (ITW) is often clinically challenging. This study aims to define kinematic and kinetic parameters using 3D gait analysis to facilitate and secure the diagnosis of “idiopathic toe-walking”. We conducted a retrospective controlled stratified cohort study. 12 toe-walking subjects per group diagnosed as ITW or CP were included and stratified according to age, gender and maximal dorsiflexion in stance. We collected kinematic and kinetic data using a three-dimensional optical motion analysis system with integrated floor force plates. Pairwise comparison between ITW and CP gait data was performed, and discriminant factor analysis was conducted. Both groups were compared with typically developing peers (TD). We found kinematic and kinetic parameters having a high discriminatory power and sensitivity to distinguish between ITW and CP groups (e.g., knee angle at initial contact (91% sensitivity, 73% specificity) and foot progression angle at midstance (82% sensitivity, 73% specificity)). The strength of this study is a high discriminatory power between ITW and CP toe-walking groups. Described kinematic parameters are easy to examine even without high-tech equipment; therefore, it is directly transferable to everyday praxis.

Keywords: cerebral palsy; idiopathic toe-walking; 3D gait analysis; developmental disorders; neuro orthopaedics (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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