Gait impairment and characteristics of a child
with cerebral palsy are also related to function. Gait
parameters such as cadence, normalized velocity,
hip and knee excursion, and percentage of single
support are correlated to function as measured by
the GMFM.5 Using a normalcy index that quantifies
gait deviations from normative values, Tervo et al.18
found the normalcy index was predictive of global
physical functioning. Characteristics such as type of
cerebral palsy and age of the participant are also
related to function with children with hemiplegia
and diplegia having distinct differences in motor
functioning6 and gait functional ability deteriorating
over time