Article,

Endurance and gait in children with cerebral palsy after intensive body weight-supported treadmill training.

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Pediatr Phys Ther, 19 (1): 2--10 (2007)
DOI: 10.1097/01.pep.0000249418.25913.a3

Abstract

PURPOSE: This study was designed to investigate changes in endurance, functional gait, and balance after intensive body weight-supported treadmill training in children with CP who were ambulatory. METHODS: Six school-aged children with CP (four boys, two girls; age range: six to 14 years) participated in an intensive program of body weight-supported treadmill training 30 minutes twice daily for two weeks. RESULTS: Statistically significant improvement in walking velocity and energy expenditure were observed. Variability of individual outcomes was observed with some children showing positive changes, and others no change or a decline in performance. Four children showed minimal detectable changes in a positive direction on both an endurance measure and a functional gait measure. Each endurance and functional gait measure included at least one child with a positive minimal detectable change. CONCLUSION: Intensive body weight-supported treadmill training may be an effective intervention for some children with CP who are ambulatory.

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