Wagner Godoy

Validation of GDI, GPS and GVS for use in parkinson's disease through evaluation of effects of subthalamic deep brain stimulation and levodopa

The Gait Deviation Index (GDI), Gait Profile Score (GPS) and Gait Variable Scores (GVSs) have been proposed as measures of gait quality and validated for use with children with cerebral palsy. The aim of this study was to extend this validation to people with Parkinsons disease by evaluating the effects of subthalamic deep brain stimulation and levodopa on gait. 16 participants had their gait evaluated with stimulation, medication or a combination of both. The Unified Parkinsons Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) showed statistically significant differences in agreement with previous studies. The GPS and GDI showed similar treatment effects as did GVS for hip and knee flexion/extension, as assessed with Cohens d where medium or large. Overall the results suggest that these gait indices are sensitive to treatment in this group of patients and that their use in groups other than children with cerebral palsy is valid.

Three-dimensional analysis of performance of an upper limb functional task among adults with dyskinetic cerebral palsy

Patients with dyskinetic cerebral palsy (DCP) experience considerable variability in their purposeful movements due to involuntary movements that contribute to functional impairment. Movement analyses can demonstrate how the movements involved in bringing a mug to the mouth are performed by patients with DCP. Sixteen adults with DCP (29.63±4.42 years) and eleven healthy adults (24.09±3.73 years) performed six consecutive movements of bringing a mug to the mouth using their dominant arm. The mug was placed at 75% of each subjects maximum reach. Kinematic data were captured by 10 cameras and processed using biomechanical software. Fifteen reflexive markers were placed on predetermined bony landmarks on the head, trunk and upper limbs. DCP adults required more time to perform the going (bringing the mug to the mouth), adjusting (simulating taking a drink) and returning (lowering the mug back to the table) phases, and their movements were less smooth than the controls, as indicated by the index of curvature, average jerk and number of movement units. The DCP adults took a longer time to complete the task than controls as indicated by the peak velocities, mean velocities and times to peak velocity. With respect to the angular parameters, DCP adults had a smaller range of motion for shoulder and elbow flexion and forearm pronation compared with the controls. The analysis of functional tasks represents an important measure for the evaluation of dyskinetic movements and permits the quantitative characterization of upper limb impairment in adults with DCP.

An investigation of the value of tridimensional kinematic analysis in functional diagnosis of lumbar spinal stenosis

Diagnosis of lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) is based on clinical examination and imaging. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of 3D gait analysis as a tool in the differential diagnosis of LSS. Fourteen patients participated in the study that consisted of three phases: (1) capture six gait cycles after rest, (2) walk on a treadmill for a maximum of 20 min, (3) capture six gait cycles after effort. From these data, the kinematic variables were compared with the perception of pain and the cross sectional area of the spinal canal as measured by magnetic resonance. Most of correlations were weak and showed that the most significant results are reported by the Gait Deviation Index (GDI). The Gait Deviation Index demonstrated moderate negative correlation with the perception of pain after effort was made by both limbs. This means that there is a significant decrease in the overall function of the lower limbs according to the increase in pain symptoms. This situation may be reflected in decreased cadence and speed beyond the times of single support for the left limb, and the balance of the right limb, as part of a strategy to protect against pain and imbalance. We found no correlation between gait and pain in the cross-sectional area of the spinal canal. Therefore, we believe that there is no advantage for the patient to make a 3-D gait analysis because the analysis does not add relevant information to clinical diagnosis.

The impact of tibial torsion measurements on gait analysis kinematics

Objective: To measure and compare tibial torsion values as assessed by goniometry and three-dimensional kinematics. In addition, the impact of each one of these measurements on kinematic and kinetic results for normal gait was determined. Methods: Twenty-three healthy and fully ambulatory patients were assessed, 11 women and 12 men, from 20 to 40 years old. Data were collected at a laboratory for the three-dimensional analysis of movement with 10 cameras and two force plates. Tibial torsion measurements were obtained using goniometry and three-dimensional kinematics based on the Plug-in Gait model. Afterwards, both procedures were compared, and the impact of each result was assessed on the kinematic and kinetic modeling of the knee and ankle. Results: Pearsons linear correlation coefficient (r=0,504) showed a moderate correlation between the three-dimensional kinematics and goniometry, and between the changes in the measurements. Regarding the processed kinematic and kinetic results for every torsion position, no significant differences were noticed among any of the studied variables (p>0.05). Conclusion: Although statistical correlation among tibial torsion angles by goniometry and three-dimensional kinematic were moderate, kinematic and kinetic analysis of the joints did not reveal any significant changes. Level of Evidence I, Diagnostic Studies - Investigating a Diagnostic Test.