Which muscle groups are commonly weakened in children with cerebral palsy?

• A. Hip and knee extensors
• B. Elbow flexors
• C. Ankle plantarflexors
• D. Neck flexors

Answer: (A)

Proximal extensor muscles that act against gravity are commonly weak in cerebral palsy, and those muscles play a central role in standing and walking. The hip and knee extensors keep the body upright, stabilize the pelvis, and generate the extension moments needed during stance and propulsion. When these muscles are weaker, children struggle to maintain knee and hip extension in stance, which often leads to a crouched or flexed posture and compensatory movements during gait and transfers. This pattern of weakness in anti-gravity, proximal extensors is more typical than weakness in elbow flexors, ankle plantarflexors, or neck flexors, where spasticity, contracture, or less consistent weakness are more commonly seen as contributing factors.