Citation

Katz-Leurer M, Rotem H, Lewitus H, Keren O, Meyer S. Brain Inj. 2008; 22(2): 153-159.

Affiliation

Alyn Hospital, Pediatric and Adolescent Rehabilitation Center, Jerusalem, Israel. michalkz@post.tau.ac.il

Copyright

(Copyright © 2008, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/02699050801895399

PMID

18240044

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To quantify the differences in gait variability and balance performance between typically developed (TD) children and children with post-traumatic brain injury (TBI) and to determine the association between gait variability and functional balance in both groups. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Physical therapy department of a paediatric and adolescent rehabilitation hospital. PARTICIPANTS: A convenience sample of 24 children post-TBI and 24 TD age and sex matched controls. INTERVENTION: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Step length, step time and base width variability measured with an electronic walkway; timed up and go (TUG) test and functional reach test (FRT) as a functional balance test. RESULTS: Base width and step time variability showed no significant difference between the groups. However, children post-TBI had significantly greater variability in step length in comparison to healthy controls. The functional balance abilities of children post-TBI were significantly limited compared to TD children. A significant linear inverse correlation was found between balance performance and step length variability only among children with a TBI. CONCLUSION: Ambulatory children post-severe TBI had decreased balance performance, decreased gait speed and increased step length variability as compared to age-matched healthy controls.

Language: en