Kinematic and kinetic patterns of walking in spinal muscular atrophy, type III

Abstract

Our knowledge on altered neurocontrol of walking due to weakness of various muscle groups of lower extremities is still limited. The aim of this study was to assess kinematic and kinetic walking patterns in a functionally similar group of seven subjects with spinal muscular athrophy, type III (SMA group) and compare them with normal data obtained in nine healthy subjects (CONTROL group) in order to identify characteristic compensatory changes. Kinematic and kinetic patterns were assessed during free walking of a SMA and CONTROL groups. The results showed characteristic changes in ankle plantarflexion moment and associated control of centre of pressure during loading response and midstance that facilitated minimization of external flexion moment acting on the knee and hip in SMA group. Additionally, we identified distinct and consistent changes also in the control of hip rotators and abductors that act in a way to rapidly bring hip in the extension early in the stance phase and delay weight shift onto the leg entering the stance phase, respectively.