Abstract
BackgroundTreadmill gait training as a therapeutic resource in the rehabilitation of children with cerebral palsy (CP) has recently been the focus of many studies; however, still little is known regarding the effect of antigravity treadmill (AGT) on dynamic balance in children with spastic diplegia. Aim of the studyThis study aims to evaluate the effect of gait training using AGT on standing balance of the spastic diplegic cerebral palsy (SDCP) children. Subjects and methods30 SDCP children (6–8years old), from both sexes, participated in this study. They were divided randomly into 2 groups: control group (group A) and study group (group B). The control group received a specially designed therapeutic exercise program; while the study group received gait training using AGT, for 20min, 3 times weekly, for 3months, in addition to the same exercise program given to the control group. The Biodex balance system was used for the assessment of the dynamic postural control of all participants. ResultsThe results revealed no significant difference when comparing the pretreatment mean values of the 2 groups, while significant improvement was observed in all the measured variables of the 2 groups when comparing their pre and post treatment mean values. A significant difference was also observed when comparing the post treatment results of the 2 groups in favor of the study group. ConclusionIt can be concluded that gait training using AGT could be used as an effective method for improving standing balance for children with SDCP.
Highlights
Peer review under responsibility of Ain Shams University.Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of permanent and non-progressive disorders of posture and movement caused by brain lesion or dysfunction occurring early in life [1]
The results revealed no significant difference when comparing the pretreatment mean values of the 2 groups, while significant improvement was observed in all the measured variables of the 2 groups when comparing their pre and post treatment mean values
It can be concluded that gait training using antigravity treadmill (AGT) could be used as an effective method for improving standing balance for children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy (SDCP)
Summary
Peer review under responsibility of Ain Shams University.Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of permanent and non-progressive disorders of posture and movement caused by brain lesion or dysfunction occurring early in life [1]. Peer review under responsibility of Ain Shams University. Spastic diplegia is one of the most common clinical subtypes of cerebral palsy. It is used when there is more motor impairment in the lower extremities than the upper extremities. Treadmill gait training as a therapeutic resource in the rehabilitation of children with cerebral palsy (CP) has recently been the focus of many studies; still little is known regarding the effect of antigravity treadmill (AGT) on dynamic balance in children with spastic diplegia
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