The Effect of Foot-Ankle Condition on Physical Performance in Cerebral Palsy with Spastic Equinus Deformity

Abstract

Background: The severity of foot disability in children with cerebral palsy (CP) should be examined with both objective and subjective assessment tools. This cross-sectional study investigated the effect of foot-ankle function on physical performance in CP with spastic equinus deformity. Methods: A cross-sectional prospective study was performed on 61 children with CP. Participants were evaluated by the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS), Oxford Ankle Foot Questionnaire for Children (OxAFQ-C), Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), single-leg stance test (SLST), 3-Meter Backward Walk Test (3MBWT), and Functional Reach Test. Results: The mean ± SD age of the children with CP (28 girls and 33 boys) included in the study was 11.3 ± 4.4 years. Individuals with higher foot-ankle function had better TUG, 3MBWT, and SLST performances (P