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Abstract
PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine if children with cerebral palsy (CP) exhibit deficits in postural recovery after taking a step. METHODS: Children with spastic hemiplegic CP (n = 9) and typically developing (TD) children (n = 14) were recruited. Step recovery was divided into dynamic and static phases using ground reaction force. Center of pressure measures were used to determine postural stability. RESULTS: After taking a step, children with CP compared to TD children spent ~50 % more time in the more unstable, dynamic phase of step recovery. While in the dynamic phase, center-of-pressure measures suggest the children with CP were less stable than the TD children, especially in the more affected limb (MAL). Although there was some residual instability during the static phase, the differences were less pronounced and limited to the less affected limb (LAL). CONCLUSION: Children with hemiplegic CP compared to TD children take more time to recover after taking a step and are more unstable during the recovery process, especially during the dynamic phase in the MAL.