Effects of treadmill training on gross motor function and the walking speed of school-age children with spastic cerebral palsy

Abstract

Objective To observe any effects of treadmill training on gross motor function and the walking speed of school-age children with spastic cerebral palsy.Methods Thirty school-age children with spastic cerebral palsy were randomly allocated into 2 groups of fifteen.The control group received conventional rehabilitation therapy ; the treadmill training group received treadmill training in addition.The program lasted 12 weeks with a frequency of 3 times per week for both groups.All of the patients were assessed in terms of gross motor function measure-88 (GMFM-88),walking speed and using the modified Ashworth scale (MAS).Results There were no statistically significant differences between the groups before training.Significant differences in GMFM-88 results and walking speed between the 2 groups were observed after 12 weeks of treatment.There was no significant difference in average MAS scores.Conclusion Treadmill training has significant effects on gross motor function and the walking speed of school-age children with spastic cerebral palsy,without adverse effects on spasticity. Key words: Treadmill training; Cerebral palsy; Walking speed; Gross motor function