Muscle function of lower extremities in children with lumbar spina bifida: Impact on functional status

Objective: The aim of this study was the evaluation of the impacts of muscle strength, muscle tone, and contractures of the lower extremities on ambulation and functional status in children with spina bifida (SB). The aims of this study were the determination of the demographical and clinical characteristics of Turkish children with spina bifida (SB) and the evaluation of the impacts of the clinical features on ambulation and functional status. Material and Methods: Fifty-four children with SB were included in the study. The Functional Independence Measure for Children (WeeFIM), range of motion in lower extremities, and muscle tone and muscle strength of the lower extremities in all children and the ambulation level of children older than 36 months were evaluated. Results: There were significant differences between the non-ambulant and functional ambulant children older than 36 months in terms of muscle strength and muscle tone (p<0.001). While no significant effects of muscle strength and muscle tone on WeeFIM scores were found (p>0.05), contracture was found to be effective on WeeFIM motor (p=0.001) and WeeFIM cognitive-total (p<0.001) scores by univariate analyses of variance. In children older than 36 months, significant effects of ambulatory status on WeeFIM cognitive (p=0.019) and WeeFIM motor-total (p<0.001) scores were found. Conclusion: Muscle strength and muscle tone of lower extremities may be important for ambulation of children with SB. Ambulatory status and contractures may be important determinants for functional abilities of these children. © 2014 by Turkish Society of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.