The correlation between rhythm perception and gait characteristics at different rhythms among children with cerebral palsy and typically developing children

Background: It has been shown that motor training while listening to constant rhythm, is associated with coupling between movement and rhythm. To gain a better understanding of how rhythm perception may affect gait in children with cerebral palsy (CP) it seems important first to assess rhythm perception (RP) in these children. Research question: To describe and compare RP and step characteristics in children with CP and typically-developing (TD) children, and to assess the impact of RP on step characteristics during different rhythms. Methods: The study included 24 children with CP, Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels I-II, age 7–12 years, who walk without assistive device, and 24 TD children matched for age and gender. RP was assessed by the perceptual beat alignment test (BAT). Gait parameters were recorded using a pressure-sensitive mat – the Gaitrite® system. Each participant walked on the mat at a comfortable walking pace and with the metronome set at 92.5 %, 100 % and 107.5 % of his preferred walking rhythm. Results: No significant difference in RP was noted between groups. Children with CP presented significantly larger step time and length variability. In TD children, those with better RP walked significantly slower, with lower step variability as compared to TD children with lower RP. Children in both groups, regardless of rhythm perception, successfully matched their cadence to the metronome's pace, both at the lower and higher rhythm, except TD children with lower rhythm perception, who failed to reduce their cadence sufficiently in the 92.5 % pace. Children with better RP in both groups changed more parameters in gait in response to rhythm changes. Significance: Assessing RP may predict which parameters of gait are expected to change when employing a metronome during child's walk.