Habitual Physical Activity Levels Are Associated with Biomechanical Walking Economy in Children with Cerebral Palsy

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy the relationship between habitual physical activity and biomechanical treadmill walking economy and whether treadmill belt speed or walking time affect economy. DESIGN: Physical activity was measured in 11 subjects (10.6-16.3 yrs) with mild cerebral palsy using a triaxial accelerometer. To determine biomechanical walking economy, subjects' stride lengths and vertical sacral …