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Publicatie

NEUROMUSCULAR FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO PATHOLOGICAL GAIT IN CHILDREN WITH CEREBRAL PALSY A PATHWAY TOWARDS IMPROVED TREATMENT PLANNING

Boek - Dissertatie

Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common physical disability in childhood. Primary motor deficits, such as spasticity and muscle weakness are considered as the direct result of brain lesions. CP is a heterogeneous disease, which results to variable treatment outcomes. Hence, the prediction of the effect of treatment on spasticity and muscle weakness are still challenging. This research will focus on two clusters. Within the first one, a recently-developed gait classification system will be automated, and EMG data will be also considered apart from kinematic and kinetic parameters. Total gait patterns across all different planes of motion will emerge and gait patterns as well as neuromuscular impairments will be defined in children during their development as well as after treatment implementation. Finally, a hybrid parameter of treatment success will be defined. Within the second cluster, the location and extent of structural brain lesions using structural MRI will be identified, based on a recent semi-qualitative classification system. MRI findings will be correlated to the pathological gait patterns. The goal is to provide evidence of the predictive value of brain lesions on pathological gait patterns. Ultimately, this will improve our ability to provide long-term prognoses and well-targeted patient specific treatment plans for these children.
Jaar van publicatie:2023
Toegankelijkheid:Closed