Article

The aim of this study was to determine whether an 8-week period of backward
walking (BW) training on the treadmill can improve the gross motor function
measure (GMFM), weight-bearing symmetry, and temporospatial gait parameters in
individuals with spastic cerebral palsy. Twelve participants aged 5-15 years with
spastic cerebral palsy participated in this study.
The BW training was conducted
on a treadmill for up to 20 min, with three sessions per week for 8 consecutive
weeks. Before each treadmill training session, lower limb stretching was included
in the session. Interlimb differentials of vertical ground reaction force while
standing, temporal-distance gait parameters, and scores of dimension D and
dimension E of the GMFM were determined. Participants showed statistically
significant improvements in a measure of GMFM (P<0.01) and weight-bearing
symmetry value (P<0.05), forward walking velocity (P<0.05), and step/stride
length (P<0.05 or P<0.01). This pilot study suggests that BW therapy on a
treadmill may help to improve walking abilities and other gross motor skills in
this sample of patients.

Langue : ANGLAIS