Centre for Clinical Research Excellence in Clinical Gait Analysis and Gait Rehabilitation
A collaboration between:
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Gait Analysis in Paediatric Orthopaedics
Helping children with cerebral palsy
Internationally there is considerable debate about the success of orthopaedic surgery on children with cerebral palsy.
In a major clinical trial funded by the Hugh Williamson Foundation, researchers want to find out if children benefit from having correctional surgery and post-operative physiotherapy over many years. We have studied 19 patients so far, with one group having surgery followed by physiotherapy and the other group having surgery after a year of intensive strength training.
Another trial is looking for ways to improve the Botox® treatment for children with cerebral palsy.
Specialists in the area know that injecting Botulinum toxin into a patient's calves can delay muscle contractures between the knee and ankle, but it is not clear how frequently the injections should be given to children for optimal effect.
The Gait CCRE is planning a randomised controlled trial to find an answer, but first we must complete a study of how repeatable our measurements are, with funding from Allergan PLC, the company that supplies Botox®.
We are also developing classification systems for children with cerebral palsy to improve their clinical management.
Gait CCRE researchers have also developed an innovative mobility test which is attracting attention around the world.
The Functional Mobility Scale monitors how children with cerebral palsy move about over short, medium and longer distances, representing home, school and the wider community. The scale provides a clear picture of how much a child depends on assistive devices, such as crutches or wheelchairs.
Centres in Auckland, Chicago and Toronto are using the scale. It is even being translated into Dutch for use in the Netherlands.