Comparison of calf muscle architecture between Asian children with spastic cerebral palsy and typically developing peers

ObjectiveTo compare the muscle thickness, fascicle length, and pennation angle of the gastrocnemius, soleus, and tibialis anterior between Asian children with spastic cerebral palsy (CP) and typically developing (TD) peers.MethodsThis cross-sectional study involved a total of 72 children with hemiplegic CP (n = 24), and diplegic CP (n = 24) and their TD peers (n = 24). Muscle architecture was measured at rest using ultrasound. Clinical measures included gross motor function and a modified Ashworth scale.ResultsThe thicknesses of the tibialis anterior and medial gastrocnemius muscles were smaller in the affected calf of children with CP (pppppConclusionsMuscle thickness and fascicle length were lower in the affected tibialis anterior, gastrocnemius, and soleus in children with spastic CP. These changes may limit the ability to stand and walk, and indicate a need to strengthen the affected muscle.