Effects of Lower Extremity Functional Training (LIFT) on Gross Motor Function and Gait in Children with Spastic Cerebral Palsy

Abstract

Background: Children with spastic cerebral palsy face challenges in mobility due to impairments in gross motor function and gait. Lower Extremity Functional Training (LIFT) is posited as a potential intervention to ameliorate these difficulties. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of LIFT on enhancing gross motor function and gait in children with spastic cerebral palsy. Methods: Employing a Randomized Controlled Trial design, the study recruited 22 participants and allocated them into intervention and control groups. Over six weeks, the intervention group received LIFT along with baseline treatment, while the control group received only baseline treatment. Outcomes were measured using the 2-minute Walk Test, Single Leg Stance Test, and Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM). Results: Post-intervention, the intervention group exhibited a statistically significant improvement in the Single Leg Stance Test (p=0.032). However, no significant differences were observed in the 2 Minute Walk Test (p=0.448) and GMFM (p=0.289) between the intervention and control groups. Within-group comparisons showed significant improvements from pre- to post-intervention in both the Single Leg Stance Test (p=0.006) and the 2 Minute Walk Test (p=0.012) for the intervention group, and in the 2 Minute Walk Test (p=0.003) and GMFM (p=0.004) for the control group. Conclusion: While LIFT resulted in significant within-group improvements in single-leg balance, it did not demonstrate a significant advantage over baseline treatment alone in improving overall gait and gross motor function in children with spastic cerebral palsy. Further research with larger sample sizes and longer intervention durations may be necessary to ascertain the full impact of LIFT in this population.