The Effectiveness of Backward Gait Training on the Treadmill in Children With Spastic Diplegic Cerebral Palsy: A Pilot Study
Year: 2012
Type: article
Study design: Clinical Trial
Abstract: The aim of the current study was to assess the effectiveness of backward gait training on the treadmill in patients with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy (CP). Twelve patients with spastic diplegic CP participated in the study. An 8-week course of backward gait training was administered to the subjects for 3 days per week. Pre-intervention and post-intervention assessments of temporal-spatial gait parameters, the symmetry of the bilateral lower extremity weight bearing, and gross motor function were analyzed using motion analysis system, force plate, and Gross Motor Function Measurement (GMFM). There were significant improvements (p<.05) in the measures of both step length and right stance phase time. Joint kinematics showed increase in right hip abduction in initial contact and terminal swing, right hip external rotation and knee flexion in mid-swing, left ankle dorsiflexion in initial contact and terminal swing (p<.05). The symmetry of the bilateral lower extremity weight bearing and GMFM also significantly increased (p<.05). These findings indicate that backward gait training using a treadmill is beneficial for patients with spastic diplegic CP.
Source: Physical Therapy Korea
Authors: Sung-Gyung Kim, Young-Uk Ryu, Won-Ho Kim
Institutions: Daegu Catholic University, Naver (South Korea), Ulsan College
Language: English
Subfield: Rehabilitation
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W2047500367