Effect of treadmill training with partial body weight support on spine geometry and gross motor function in children with diplegic cerebral palsy,
El-hakiem, Walaa Abd, and Agha Marwa
, International Journal of Therapies & Rehabilitation Research, Volume 6, Issue 1, p.46-52, (2017)
AbstractBack ground: Cerebral palsy children suffer from neuromuscular and musculoskeletal problems such as
spasticity, muscle contractures, bony deformities, incoordination and muscle weakness that interfere with
motor function. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of treadmill training with partial body weight
support on spine geometry and gross motor function in spastic diplegic cerebral palsy children. Methods:
31 children with spastic diplegia (5-7 years) were recruited and randomly allocated to control group (15)
and study group (16). Of these, 30 children completed training and testing. Both groups received a
specially designed therapeutic exercise program. The study group additionally received treadmill training
with partial body weight support (30% relief of total body weight). Treatment was provided 3d/w for 3
successive months. Assessment was performed before and after intervention. Trunk imbalance, pelvic tilt
scores using formatric instrumentation system were recorded. Gross motor function (standing and walking)
scores using gross motor function measurement scale were recorded. Results: children in both groups
showed a significant improvements in the mean values of all measured variables post-treatment (p<0.05).
The results showed significantly better improvement in the measured variables of trunk imbalance and
pelvic tilt in favor of the study group (p<0.05). There were no statistically significant difference in GMFM of
standing and walking between both groups. Conclusion: treadmill training with partial body weight support
induced significant changes in spine which could be efficient in the rehabilitation of children with spastic
diplegia.
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