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@article{188198,
        author = {Dr.M.Rajani Cartor PT and Dr.V.Manikanta PT},
        title = {Structured Physiotherapy Intervention and Gait Recovery After Bilateral Gastrocnemius Recession in a Paediatric Patient with Occipital Lobe Epilepsy: A Quantitative Case Study},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2025},
        volume = {12},
        number = {7},
        pages = {1415-1422},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=188198},
        abstract = {Background: Occipital lobe epilepsy (OLE) in children, though primarily a visual and sensory disorder, can be associated with delayed motor development and altered gait patterns due to prolonged neurological, behavioural, and functional impairments. Persistent toe-walking secondary to gastrocnemius–soleus tightness may further contribute to equinus deformity and altered gait biomechanics. Gastrocnemius recession is a common surgical approach to address fixed equinus; however, optimal functional recovery requires structured postoperative rehabilitation.
Purpose: This quantitative case study aimed to evaluate the effects of a four-week structured physiotherapy program on gait mechanics in a 12-year-old child with OLE following bilateral gastrocnemius recession. The study was conducted at the Neuro Outpatient Department, VAPMS College of Physiotherapy, Visakhapatnam.
Methods: The patient underwent a progressive gait-retraining and lower-limb rehabilitation protocol emphasizing ankle dorsiflexion mobility, strengthening, proprioceptive re-education, and gait pattern correction. Spatiotemporal and kinematic gait parameters were assessed pre- and post-intervention.
Results: Post-intervention analysis demonstrated measurable improvements in hip and knee kinematics, with more coordinated movement patterns and normalization of hip extension during stance. Patellar alignment improved on the left side, and pelvic stability was maintained throughout gait. Despite these positive changes, persistent deficits in ankle dorsiflexion during mid- and terminal stance, excessive plantarflexion during swing, and reduced right-side stance loading were observed, indicating incomplete resolution of habitual toe-walking mechanics.
Conclusion: A structured four-week physiotherapy program following gastrocnemius recession produced significant improvements in proximal joint control and overall gait quality. However, persistent ankle-related deviations and asymmetrical stance loading highlight the need for longer-term rehabilitation to fully correct ingrained motor patterns. This case underscores the importance of individualized, sustained postoperative physiotherapy in children with neurological comorbidities to achieve optimal gait normalization.},
        keywords = {Occipital lobe epilepsy, gastrocnemius recession, pediatric gait, toe-walking, physiotherapy rehabilitation, kinematic analysis.},
        month = {December},
        }