Mechanical efficiency of children with spastic cerebral palsy.
In this feasibility study, the authors compared the mechanical efficiency of nine children with spastic diplegia with that of nine able-bodied children, matched for gender. They also compared resting energy expenditure in the two groups. The children with CP had significant reductions in mechanical efficiency at maximum stable work-load and marginally significant reductions when they were compared at 200 kg-m/min work-load. The efficiency of able-bodied children at 200 kg-m/min was unexpectedly reduced. There were no differences in resting energy expenditure. Mechanical efficiency may be a useful objective technique to assess the effects of interventions intended to improve the efficiency of the movement of children with CP.
Jones
J
J
Division of Pulmonology, Children's Hospital and Medical Center, Seattle, WA 98105, USA.
McLaughlin
J F
JF
D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D002547:Cerebral Palsy / Q000145:classification / Q000503:physiopathology*; D002648:Child; D004734:Energy Metabolism; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D005080:Exercise Test; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male