Article

The aim of this systematic review was to investigate the effects of
functional gait training on walking ability in children and young adults with
cerebral palsy (CP). METHOD: The review was conducted using standardized
methodology, searching four electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Web of
Science) for relevant literature published between January 1980 and January 2017.
Included studies involved training with a focus on actively practising the task
of walking as an intervention while reporting outcome measures relating to
walking ability.
RESULTS: Forty-one studies were identified, with 11 randomized
controlled trials included. There is strong evidence that functional gait
training results in clinically important benefits for children and young adults
with CP, with a therapeutic goal of improved walking speed. Functional gait
training was found to have a moderate positive effect on walking speed over
standard physical therapy (effect size 0.79, p=0.04). Further, there is weaker
yet relatively consistent evidence that functional gait training can also benefit
walking endurance and gait-related gross motor function. INTERPRETATION: There is
promising evidence that functional gait training is a safe, feasible, and
effective intervention to target improved walking ability in children and young
adults with CP. The addition of virtual reality and biofeedback can increase
patient engagement and magnify effects. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: Functional gait
training is a safe, feasible, and effective intervention to improve walking
ability. Functional gait training shows larger positive effects on walking speed
than standard physical therapy. Walking endurance and gait-related gross motor
function can also benefit from functional gait training. Addition of virtual
reality and biofeedback shows promise to increase engagement and improve
outcomes.
CI - (c) 2018 The Authors. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology published by John
Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Mac Keith Press.

Langue : ANGLAIS