Article

AIM: To compare the effects of a supported speed treadmill training exercise
program (SSTTEP) with exercise on spasticity, strength, motor control, gait
spatiotemporal parameters, gross motor skills, and physical function. METHOD:
Twenty-six children (14 males, 12 females; mean age 9y 6mo, SD 2y 2mo) with
spastic cerebral palsy (CP; diplegia, n=12; triplegia, n=2; quadriplegia n=12;
Gross Motor Function Classification System levels II-IV) were randomly assigned
to the SSTTEP or exercise (strengthening) group. After a twice daily, 2-week
induction, children continued the intervention at home 5 days a week for 10
weeks. Data collected at baseline, after 12-weeks' intervention, and 4 weeks
after the intervention stopped included spasticity, motor control, and strength;
gait spatiotemporal parameters; Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM); and
Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument (PODCI). RESULTS: Gait speed,
cadence, and PODCI global scores improved, with no difference between groups. No
significant changes were seen in spasticity, strength, motor control, GMFM
scores, or PODCI transfers and mobility. Post-hoc testing showed that gains in
gait speed and PODCI global scores were maintained in the SSTTEP group after
withdrawal of the intervention. INTERPRETATION: Although our hypothesis that the
SSTTEP group would have better outcomes was not supported, results are
encouraging as children in both groups showed changes in function and gait. Only
the SSTTEP group maintained gains after withdrawal of intervention.
CI - (c) The Authors. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology (c) 2011 Mac Keith
Press.

Langue : ANGLAIS