Authors: (including presenting author): :
Lee WC(1), Chau FY(1), Ho SH(2), Chan WP(3)
Affiliation: :
(1)Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital, (2)Department of Prosthetic & Orthotic Services, Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital, (3)Department of Physiotherapy, Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital
Keyword 1: :
foot pressure analysis
Keyword 2: :
botulinum toxin
Introduction: :
The most common musculoskeletal deformity in children with cerebral palsy is foot deformity. Equinus is the most common within the foot deformity spectrum and is often associated with varus or valgus deformity of the hindfoot. These conditions pose mobility limitations and various symptoms associated with the abnormal load distribution in affected children.
Botulinum toxin injection in the muscles of both the upper and lower limbs of children with cerebral palsy has been widely used in clinical settings. Research has been centred on the evaluation of the therapeutic effects of the Botulinum toxin muscle injections on the abnormal foot pressure distribution and gait patterns in this group of patients.
Treadmills with plantar pressure plates are often used in clinical and research settings to quantify gait parameters. The method enables objective measurements of spatiotemporal parameters as well as pressure- and force-related parameters.
Previous studies have demonstrated improvements in gait parameters and plantar pressure distribution. However, to our knowledge, *no local study* has been published for the use of instrumented treadmills to quantify treatment responses of botulinum toxin intervention in children with spasticity.
Objectives: :
1. To describe the gait parameters in children with spastic diplegia
2. To quantify the treatment responses in the context of botulinum toxin injection in children with spastic diplegia
Methodology: :
Subjects are identified from the Clinical Data Analysis and Reporting System (CDARS) and patient lists of rehabilitation clinic attendance for the past 5 years, between 1st January 2021 to 31st December 2025. Records of each subject, including the clinical diagnosis, clinical assessments, details of the botulinum injection session (date, injection site, dosage), and pre- and post-injection foot pressure analysis will be reviewed.
Result & Outcome: :
Preliminary data showed there is significantly higher maximum heel pressure after injection, ranging from 11-34%, compared to before injection. This confirms the efficacy of the current treatment, and foot pressure analysis as an objecive method for quantification of treatment response in the local setting.
