Treadmill perturbations to quantify stretch reflexes during gait in children with cerebral palsy

Abstract (2017)

Authors

Lizeth Sloot Harvard University, Amsterdam UMC
Eline Flux Amsterdam UMC
Annemieke Buizer Amsterdam UMC
Jaap Harlaar Amsterdam UMC, Biomechatronics & Human-Machine Control - Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering
Marjolein van der Krogt Amsterdam UMC
Department
Biomechanical Engineering
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Published Date

2017

Language

English

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Department

Biomechanical Engineering

Abstract

Spasticity, i.e. exaggerated velocity-dependent stretch reflex activity, is one of the key impairments in neurological diseases, but its effect on gait is unclear [1]. To quantify spastic reflexes during gait, ankle rotations have been applied by mechanical devices [2,3], but these are cumbersome and can affect gait. Recently, it has been shown that treadmill accelerations can be used to evoke stretch reflexes during gait in the calf muscles of healthy adults [4]. However, the applicability of this approach in children and in patients with neurological diseases has yet to be demonstrated.