Biomechanics and muscle function during gait

Gait disorders in patients with cerebral palsy (CP) initially lead to functional deformities which later become structural. The deformities may greatly increase energy consumption and thus limit function. Under normal conditions, however, energy consumption is optimal [1]. Correction of biomechanics towards normality improves energy consumption [2, 3]. For this reason, correction of deformities aims at normality. As, in principle, normal function rather than normal anatomy is the goal, biomechanics and muscle function need to be understood in normal and pathological situations.