Effect of robotic-assisted gait training program on spatiotemporal gait parameters for ambulatory children with cerebral palsy: A randomized control trial

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Gait training programs are commonly used to improve gait in children with cerebral palsy (CP). OBJECTIVE: To compared the effects of robotic-gait assistant training (RAGT) and conventional body weight support treadmill training (CBWSTT) on gait parameters among ambulatory children with CP. METHODS: The study is a randomized controlled trial of 36 children (17 in the RAGT group and 19 in the CBWSTT group) aged 5 to 14. Gait training involved 30—to 35-minute sessions three times per week over eight weeks. RESULTS: Mixed ANCOVA showed no main effect of time or group on all gait parameters (P > .05). Gross motor function measure dimensions D (GMFM D) and E (GMFM E) show main effects on step width. Stride length, step length, speed, swing phase, and double support phase interacted with GMFM D and E. There was a negative correlation between motor function level and the change from baseline. Children with lower motor function show a greater change from baseline. CONCLUSION: There were no significant differences between CBWSTT and RAGT for children with CP; however, with gait training interventions, the level of motor function should be considered.