Jump performance and its relationship with biomechanical markers in children with cerebral palsy

ABSTRACTPURPOSE: The aim was to determine if there is a deficit in jump performance in children with cerebral palsy (CP) and if the expected deficit is related to discrepancies in their lower body joint kinetics and kinematics. METHODS: Seventeen children with CP and 17 matched controls were studied. Jump height and lower body joint kinetics and kinematics were assessed during a countermovement jump. RESULTS: Compared to controls, children with CP exhibited lower jump height, knee and ankle joint power, maximal knee flexion and extension, and maximal ankle dorsiflexion and plantarflexion (all p < 0.05). The lower jump height in children with CP was associated with lower knee and ankle joint power, maximal knee flexion and extension, and maximal ankle dorsiflexion and plantarflexion (all p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Children with CP have a lower jump height which is associated with lower joint power generation and range of motion in the lower body. INDEX WORDS: Cerebral palsy, Physical activity, Vertical jump, Joint power, Joint angles