Article

This preliminary study examined the effects of off-axis elliptical training on
reducing transverse-plane gait deviations and improving gait function in 8
individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) (15.5 +/- 4.1 years) who completed an
training program using a custom-made elliptical trainer that allows
transverse-plane pivoting of the footplates during exercise.
Lower-extremity
off-axis control during elliptical exercise was evaluated by quantifying the
root-mean-square and maximal angular displacement of the footplate pivoting
angle. Lower-extremity pivoting strength was assessed. Gait function and balance
were evaluated using 10-m walk test, 6-minute-walk test, and Pediatric Balance
Scale. Toe-in angles during gait were quantified. Participants with CP
demonstrated a significant decrease in the pivoting angle (root mean square and
maximal angular displacement; effect size, 1.00-2.00) and increase in the
lower-extremity pivoting strength (effect size = 0.91-1.09) after training.
Reduced 10-m walk test time (11.9 +/- 3.7 seconds vs. 10.8 +/- 3.0 seconds; P =
0.004; effect size = 1.46), increased Pediatric Balance Scale score (43.6 +/-
12.9 vs. 45.6 +/- 10.8; P = 0.042; effect size = 0.79), and decreased toe-in
angle (3.7 +/- 10.5 degrees vs. 0.7 +/- 11.7 degrees; P = 0.011; effect size =
1.22) were observed after training. We present an intervention to challenge
lower-extremity off-axis control during a weight-bearing and functional activity
for individuals with CP. Our preliminary findings suggest that this intervention
was effective in enhancing off-axis control, gait function, and balance and
reducing in-toeing gait in persons with CP.

Langue : ANGLAIS