Ankle torque steadiness is related to muscle activation variability and coactivation in children with cerebral palsy.
The aims of this study were to: (1) investigate the significance of muscle activation variability and coactivation for the ability to perform steady submaximal ankle torque (torque steadiness) in healthy children and those with cerebral palsy (CP), and (2) assess ankle function during isometric contractions in those children. Fourteen children with CP who walked with equinus foot deformity and 14 healthy (control) children performed maximal and steady submaximal ankle dorsi- and plantarflexions. Dorsiflexion torque steadiness was related to agonist and antagonist muscle activation variability as well as the plantarflexor coactivation level in children with CP (r > 0.624, P < 0.03). Moreover, children with CP displayed reduced maximal torque and submaximal torque steadiness of both dorsi- and plantarflexion compared with controls (P < 0.05). Both muscle groups may benefit from strength training, as they exhibit poor submaximal control and weakness in children with CP.
Bandholm
Thomas
T
Gait Analysis Laboratory, (section 247), Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Hvidovre University Hospital, Kettegaard Allé 30, DK-2650, Copenhagen, Denmark. Thomas.Bandholm@hvh.regionh.dk
Rose
Martin H
MH
Sløk
Rikke
R
Sonne-Holm
Stig
S
Jensen
Bente R
BR
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000842:Ankle / Q000503:physiopathology*; D000843:Ankle Joint / Q000503:physiopathology; D002547:Cerebral Palsy / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D002648:Child; D004576:Electromyography / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007537:Isometric Contraction / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology*; D055070:Resistance Training; D019415:Torque