Gait Patterns in Children With Cancer and Vincristine Neuropathy

In Brief Purpose: Children treated with vincristine often develop chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), but effects of CIPN on gait have not been reported. Methods: Gait variables of 52 children/adolescents treated for non-central nervous system cancers with CIPN were compared with an age- and sex-matched control group. Gait data were collected via GaitRite walkway before and after completing a 6-minute walk test (6MWT). Ankle range-of-motion (ROM) measures, balance, and strength tests were also completed. Results: Participants with CIPN had decreased velocity and step length. Ankle ROM and balance explained variability in step length. Both groups increased self-selected velocity after the 6MWT, but participants with cancer walked with slower velocity, shorter step length, and decreased cadence. Strength, neuropathy, and self-selected velocity measured before the 6MWT explained variability in 6MWT scores. Conclusions: Ankle ROM and balance are important factors when treating step length deficits, whereas strength is also an important consideration for walking capacity. Children treated with vincristine had decreased gait velocity and step length. The authors believe ankle ROM and balance were important factors when treating step length deficits, whereas strength is also an important consideration for walking capacity.