Pediatr Int. 2025 Jan-Dec;67(1):e70214. doi: 10.1111/ped.70214.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Postural stability is a prerequisite for the performance of daily gross motor functions. It is usually impaired in children with cerebral palsy. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of robotic-assisted gait training and body weight supported treadmill training on postural stability in ambulatory children with cerebral palsy.
METHODS: A randomized clinical trial involved 40 ambulatory children with cerebral palsy (5-14 years old). They were randomly allocated to one of two locomotor treadmill-training groups: (1) robotic-assisted gait training (RAGT) and (2) body weight supported treadmill training (BWSTT). All participants completed 24 training sessions within 8 weeks. Postural stability was measured by a computer dynamic posturography (NeuroCom EquiTest®) before and after the intervention.
RESULTS: A two-way repeated measures ANOVA revealed that there was a statistically significant interaction between group and time [F(15, 24) = 3.02, p = 0.008]. The study found that RAGT is more effective than BWSTT on some variables of static and dynamic postural stability. RAGT showed more improvement in weight symmetry at 60° knee flexion, limit of stability, velocity composite (front/back), and directional control composite for both left/right and front/back (p < 0.05).
CLINICALTRIALS: gov (identifier: NCT06719271).
CONCLUSION: Ambulatory children with CP can improve their postural stability after intensive RAGT.
PMID:41045011 | DOI:10.1111/ped.70214
