A home-based body weight supported treadmill training program for children with cerebral palsy: A case series. (3rd July 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kenyon, Lisa K.; Westman, Marci; Hefferan, Ashley; McCrary, Peter; Baker, Barbara J.
• Is Part Of: Physiotherapy theory and practice. Volume 33:Number 7(2017)
• Page Start: 576
• Page End: 585
• Publication Date: 2017-07-03
• Subjects: Body-weight-supported treadmill training -- case report -- cerebral palsy -- functional mobility; Physical therapy -- Periodicals; 615.82
• DOI: 10.1080/09593985.2017.1325956
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0959-3985

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Background and Purpose : Contemporary approaches to the treatment of cerebral palsy (CP) advocate a task-specific approach that emphasizes repetition and practice of specific tasks. Recent studies suggest that body-weight-supported treadmill training (BWSTT) programs may be beneficial in clinical settings. The purposes of this case series were to explore the outcomes and feasibility of a home-based BWSTT program for three children with CP. Case Description : Three children with CP at Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) Levels III or IV participated in this case series. Examination included the Functional Assessment Questionnaire (FAQ), the 10-meter walk test, the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-66), and the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory-Computer Adaptive Test (PEDI-CAT). A harness system was used to conduct the BWSTT program over an 8–12 week period. Outcomes : All of the families reported enjoying the BWSTT program and found the harness easy to use. Participant 2 increased from a 2 to a 4 on the FAQ, while Participant 3 increased from a 6 to a 7. Discussion : Two of the participants demonstrated post-intervention improvements in functional mobility. In addition to mobility outcomes, future research should explore the potential health benefits of a home-based BWSTT program.