Improved gait parameters after robotic-assisted locomotor treadmill therapy in a 6-year-old child with cerebral palsy (original) (raw)
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Neuropediatrics, 2015
Active participation and the highest level of independence during daily living are primary goals in neurorehabilitation. Therefore, standing and walking are key factors in many rehabilitation programs. Despite inconclusive evidence considering the best application and efficacy of robotic tools in the field of pediatric neurorehabilitation, robotic technologies have been implemented to complement conventional therapies in recent years. A group of experienced therapists and physicians joined in an "expert panel." They compared their clinical application protocols, discussed recurring open questions, and developed experience-based recommendations for robot-assisted treadmill therapy (exemplified by the Lokomat, Hocoma, Volketswil, Switzerland) with a focus on children with cerebral palsy. Specific indications and therapeutic goals were defined considering the severity of motor impairments and the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health framework (IC...
Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 2017
Objective-To determine whether applying controlled resistance forces to the legs during the swing phase of gait may improve the efficacy of treadmill training compared to applying controlled assistance forces in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Design-Randomized controlled study. Setting-Research unit of rehabilitation hospital. Participants-Children with spastic CP (n = 23, average age 10.6 years old, ranged from 6-14, GMFCS levels: I to IV). Interventions-Participants were randomly assigned to receive controlled assistance (n=11) or resistance (n=12) loads applied to the legs at the ankle. Participants underwent robotic treadmill training 3 times a week for 6 weeks (18 sessions). A controlled swing assistance/resistance load was applied to both legs starting from toe-off to mid-swing phase of gait during training. Main outcome measures-Outcome measures consisted of overground walking speed, 6 minute walking distance, and GMFM scores, and were assessed pre, post 6 weeks of training, and 8 weeks after the end of training.