Article

OBJECTIVE: To assess partial body weight supported treadmill training versus over
ground training for walking ability in children with mild to moderate cerebral palsy. DESIGN: Randomised controlled trial. SETTING:
A Special Needs school in
Singapore. SUBJECTS: Thirty children with cerebral palsy, aged 6-18, with a Gross
Motor Function Classification System score of II-III. INTERVENTIONS: Two times 30
minute sessions of walking training per week for 8 weeks, progressed as
tolerated, either over ground (control) or using partial body weight supported
treadmill training (intervention). MAIN MEASURES: The 10 metre walk test, and the
6 minute walk test. Secondary measures were sub-sections D and E on the Gross
Motor Function Measure. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, and after 4 and 8
weeks of training. RESULTS: There was no effect of group allocation on any
outcome measure, while time was a significant factor for all outcomes. Walking
speed improved significantly more in the intervention group by week 4 (0.109
(0.067)m/s vs 0.048 (0.071)m/s, P=0.024) however by week 8 the change from
baseline was similar (intervention 0.0160 (0.069)m/s vs control 0.173 (0.109)m/s,
P=0.697). All gains made by week 4 were significantly improved on by week 8 for
the 10 metre walk test, 6 minute walk test, and the gross motor function measure.
CONCLUSIONS: Partial body weight supported treadmill training is no more
effective than over ground walking at improving aspects of walking and function
in children with mild to moderate cerebral palsy. Gains seen in 4 weeks can be
furthered by 8 weeks.
CI - (c) The Author(s) 2015.

Langue : ANGLAIS