Differentiating Between Idiopathic Toe Walking and Cerebral Palsy: A Systematic Review.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this systematic review is to identify evidence-based examination components that enable a clinician to distinguish between participants with idiopathic toe walking (ITW) and cerebral palsy (CP) to accurately categorize them into their respective movement system diagnosis. SUMMARY OF KEY POINTS: Five articles were used that compared key clinical findings, walking characteristics, and muscle firing patterns of participants with CP and ITW. Differences in these components allow participants with CP and ITW to be classified into different movement system diagnoses to better target plan of care. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CLINICAL PRACTICE: The authors recommend that clinicians perform specific evidence-based tests and measures in accordance with the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health model.