A Home-Based Body Weight-Supported Treadmill Program for Children With Cerebral Palsy: A Pilot Study. Issue 3 (July 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Visser, Allie; Westman, Marci; Otieno, Sango; Kenyon, Lisa
• Is Part Of: Pediatric physical therapy. Volume 29:Issue 3(2017:Autumn)
• Publication Date: 2017-07
• Subjects: body weight-supported treadmill training -- cerebral palsy -- functional mobility -- walking capacity; Physical therapy for children -- Periodicals; 615.820832
• DOI: 10.1097/PEP.0000000000000406
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0898-5669

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: The purpose of this pilot study was to explore the effect and feasibility of a home-based body weight-supported treadmill training (BWSTT) program on walking capacity and functional mobility in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Methods: A within-subjects, repeated-measures design was used. Ten children with CP ages 6 to 16 years participated in pre- and postintervention testing sessions, an initial home training session, and a 12-week home-based BWSTT program conducted 3 to 4 times per week by a parent or caregiver for up to 20 minutes each session. Multiple outcome measures for walking capacity and functional mobility were used. Results: As a group, participants demonstrated significant improvements in walking capacity and functional mobility at the completion the 12-week intervention program. Conclusions: Additional research regarding home-based BWSTT programs in children with CP is warranted and should focus on identifying specific parameters that promote achievement of optimal functional outcomes. Abstract : Supplemental Digital Content is Available in the Text.The purpose of this pilot study was to explore the impact and feasibility of a home-based body weight-supported treadmill training program on walking capacity and functional mobility in children with cerebral palsy