Leg and Joint Stiffness in @entity1 with Spastic XXXX during Level Walking.

@entity1 @entity306 @entity44347 @entity2720 @entity2483 @entity2693
UNASSIGNED: Individual joint deviations are often identified in the analysis of @entity306 ( @entity306 ) gait. However, knowledge is limited as to how these deviations affect the control of the locomotor system as a whole when striving to meet the demands of walking. The current study aimed to bridge the gap by describing the control of the locomotor system in @entity1 with @entity306 in terms of their leg @entity2483 , and associated joint @entity2693 during gait. Twelve @entity1 with @entity44347 and 12 healthy controls walked at a self-selected pace in a gait laboratory while their kinematic and forceplate data were measured and analyzed during loading response, mid-stance, terminal stance and pre-swing. For calculating the leg @entity2693 , each of the lower limbs was modeled as a non-linear spring, connecting the hip joint center and the corresponding center of pressure, with varying @entity2693 that was calculated as the slope (gradient) of the axial force vs. the deformation curve. The leg @entity2693 was further decomposed into skeletal and muscular components considering the alignment of the lower limb. The ankle, knee and hip of the limb were modeled as @entity2720 with torsional springs whose @entity2693 was calculated as the slope of the moment vs. the angle curve of the joint. Independent t-tests were performed for between-group comparisons of all the variables. The @entity306 group significantly decreased the leg @entity2693 but increased the joint @entity2693 during stance phase, except during terminal stance where the leg @entity2693 was increased. They appeared to rely more on muscular contributions to achieve the required leg @entity2693 , increasing the muscular demands in maintaining the body posture against collapse. Leg @entity2693 plays a critical role in modulating the kinematics and kinetics of the locomotor system during gait in the @entity306 .
