Selected gait parameters in children with obstetric brachial plexus injury (OBPI) - a pilot study.

BACKGROUND

Brachial plexus injury is one of the most common obstetric injuries (OBPI). It results in upper limb muscle weakness of various severity. This affects the growth and function of the limb and the child's postural development, which in turn disturbs some gait parameters in children with OBPI. The aim of the study was to evaluate gait parameters in children with OBPI with the help of a ground reaction force measuring device.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study group consisted of 44 children with obstetric brachial plexus injury. Of this group, test results of 30 children from the Children's Hospital in Dziekanów Leśny and "STOCER" Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Centre for Children and Youth in Konstancin Jeziorna were analyzed. The CDG system was used to measure the vertical component of ground reaction forces in the lower limbs, comparing the side ipsilateral to the brachial plexus injury and the unaffected side in children with complete and incomplete brachial plexus damage.

RESULTS

Although no statistically significant differences were found between the two sides, some of the patients demonstrated differences in the time course of ground reaction forces and duration of gait phases.

CONCLUSIONS

1. The visually noticeable incorrect gait pattern was not statistically confirmed in full in an analysis of ground reaction forces in the study group. 2. A study embracing a larger group of children with OBPI and comparing them to healthy children should provide data on whether these values of ground reaction forces are abnormal. 3. Due to the visually noticeable asymmetries in the entire musculoskeletal system, exercise should not only focus on the affected upper limb, but involve the entire body, especially the spine, pelvis and gait pattern.