Gait in childhood and adulthood in persons with myelomeningocele - a retrospective analysis.
Independent walkers with myelomeningocele often lost community ambulation status by adulthood.
Gait in childhood and adulthood in persons with myelomeningocele - a retrospective analysis.
Gait patterns in children with myelomeningocele (myelomeningocele) at various neurological levels have been described, both with and without orthotic support.
The aim of this study was to retrospectively compare gait patterns as assessed in childhood with those observed in adulthood.
These data were retrospectively analysed and compared with findings from a subsequent adult gait analysis (adult gait analysis).
Twenty-two participants maintained independent, non-assisted walking (Group A), 5 had transitioned from independent walking to using a walking aid (Group B), and 2 used a walking aid at both Ch-GA and adult gait analysis (Group C), with individualized orthotic prescriptions provided at both time points.
In Group B, analysed with only Gait Deviation Index (Gait Deviation Index), values were unchanged, but all temporospatial gait parameters had deteriorated.
Functional ambulation decreased from five individuals classified as Ha to two Ha and three non-functional ambulators.
Largely consistent with our original expectations, the findings indicate that gait patterns remain relatively stable from childhood to adulthood in individuals with myelomeningocele when supported by appropriate rehabilitation interventions, though some deterioration of gait and ambulation occurred.
The results reflect gait-related changes that can be expected during growth in this population.