Comparison of the Symmetry of Trunk Extensor Muscles and Hip and Knee Flexors Activity in Females with Left Unilateral Cerebral Palsy and Healthy Females While Walking

The movement pattern and coordination of patients with unilateral cerebral palsy when walking is different from that of healthy individuals. The aim of the present study was to compare the symmetry of trunk extensor muscle and hip and knee flexors in women with left unilateral cerebral palsy and healthy women when walking normally.

The research method was descriptive-comparative. The statistical population of the study included women with left unilateral cerebral palsy. By convenience by purposive sampling method, 12 patients aged 17 to 26 years as the left unilateral cerebral palsy group and 12 homogeneous healthy women as the control group. were chosen. Women with left unilateral cerebral palsy were referred by a physician at the Mehr Rehabilitation Center in Tabriz. Data collection instruments included demographic questionnaire, electromyograph and bipolar surface electrodes. The validity and reliability of the instruments have been confirmed in previous studies and in the present study it has been sufficientt. The method was that the intensity of electrical activity of the muscles that straighten the spine at the level of the third lumbar vertebra, right hip and biceps when walking at normal speed was recorded in women with unilateral left cerebral palsy and healthy homogeneous women. The signals were processed using OT Bio lab software. Data were analyzed in SPSS .22.

Women with left unilateral cerebral palsy had more electromyographic activity than healthy women on the affected side (P <0.05). Also, the normalized electromyographic activity of erector spine muscle in the intact side of cerebral palsy was higher than that of healthy individuals at the same side (P=0.001). In women with unilateral left cerebral palsy, asymmetric muscle activity was observed and a significant interaction was observed between the body side factor and the disease factor (P=0.040).

When walking, the intensity of electrical activity of the involved side muscles as well as the rectus muscle of the healthy lumbar spine was higher in women with unilateral left cerebral palsy than in healthy women, and women with unilateral left cerebral palsy showed asymmetric muscle activity. Therefore, in designing training programs for cerebral palsy patients, it is recommended to pay attention to the muscles of both involved and healthy sides.