The Effects of Over-Ground Robot-Assisted Gait Training for Children with Ataxic Cerebral Palsy: A Case Report.

Myungeun Yoo,Eun Sook Park,Jeong Hyeon Ahn

doi:10.3390/s21237875

Myungeun Yoo, Eun Sook Park + Show 1 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/s21237875

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Abstract

Poor balance and ataxic gait are major impediments to independent living in ataxic cerebral palsy (CP). Robot assisted-gait training (RAGT) has been shown to improve the postural balance and gait function in children with CP. However, there is no report on the application of RAGT for children with ataxic CP. Here, we report two cases of children with ataxic CP who underwent over-ground RAGT along with conventional therapy for 4 weeks. Outcome measures including the gross motor function measure (GMFM), pediatric balance scale, pediatric reach scale, one-minute walk test, and Timed Up and Go test were assessed before and after the 4-week intervention. Both cases were well adapted to the RAGT system without any significant adverse event. Improvements in the GMFM after RAGT, compared with that in the GMFM, after intensive conventional therapy have been reported previously. It is noteworthy that over-ground RAGT improved areas of the GMFM that did not improve with conventional therapy. In addition, over-ground RAGT with conventional therapy led to improvements in functional balance and walking capacity. These findings suggest that over-ground RAGT is feasible and may be a potential option for enhancing balance and functional walking capacity in children with ataxic CP.

Highlights

Department and Research Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Citation: Yoo, M.; Ahn, J.H.; Park, Abstract: Poor balance and ataxic gait are major impediments to independent living in ataxic cerebral palsy (CP)
These findings suggest that over-ground Robot assisted-gait training (RAGT) is feasible and may be a potential option for enhancing balance and functional walking capacity in children with ataxic CP
There were no major adverse events or safety issues during the over-ground RAGT, and both children were well adapted to the training without any complaints

Summary

Introduction

Over-ground RAGT with conventional therapy led to improvements in functional balance and walking capacity. Ataxic CP is characterized by abnormal patterns of posture or movement and loss of orderly muscular coordination, affecting the force, rhythm, and accuracy of the limbs and trunk, which leads to poor limb coordination, target accuracy, and balance [3]. These problems lead to difficulties in activities of daily living including poor postural balance and ataxic gait

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