Ankle torque steadiness is related to muscle activation variability and co-activation in children with cerebral palsy

TY - JOUR

T1 - Ankle torque steadiness is related to muscle activation variability and co-activation in children with cerebral palsy

AU - Bandholm, Thomas

AU - Rose, Martin

AU - Sløk, Rikke

AU - Sonne-Holm, Stig

AU - Jensen, Bente

PY - 2009

Y1 - 2009

N2 - 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.

AB - 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.

U2 - http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/mus.21348

DO - http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/mus.21348

M3 - Journal article

SN - 0148-639X

VL - 40

SP - 402

EP - 410

JO - Muscle & Nerve

JF - Muscle & Nerve

IS - 3

ER -