Effect of robotic-assisted gait training program on spatiotemporal gait parameters for ambulatory children with cerebral palsy: A randomized control trial

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Algabbani, Maha F.^{a; *} | Fagehi, Jaber Mohammed^b | Aljosh, Muzaynah^c | Bawazeer, Manal^{d; e; f; g} | Aldaihan, Mishal M.^a | Abdulrahman, Tariq A.^h | Alhusaini, Adel A.^a

Affiliations: [a] Department of Health Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia | [b] Rehabilitation Department, King Fahad Central Hospital, Jazan, Saudi Arabia | [c] Rehabilitation Department, King Abdullah Specialized Children Hospital, Ministry of National Guard Health Affair, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia | [d] Department of Pediatrics, King Abdullah Specialized Children’s Hospital, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of National Guard – Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia | [e] King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia | [f] King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia | [g] Saudi Scientific Home Healthcare Society, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia | [h] Vision Colleges – Riyadh, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Correspondence: [*] Address for correspondence: Maha F. Algabbani, Department of Health Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. E-mail: [email protected].

Abstract: BACKGROUND:Gait training programs are commonly used to improve gait in children with cerebral palsy (CP). OBJECTIVE:To compared the effects of robotic-gait assistant training (RAGT) and conventional body weight support treadmill training (CBWSTT) on gait parameters among ambulatory children with CP. METHODS:The study is a randomized controlled trial of 36 children (17 in the RAGT group and 19 in the CBWSTT group) aged 5 to 14. Gait training involved 30—to 35-minute sessions three times per week over eight weeks. RESULTS:Mixed ANCOVA showed no main effect of time or group on all gait parameters (P > .05). Gross motor function measure dimensions D (GMFM D) and E (GMFM E) show main effects on step width. Stride length, step length, speed, swing phase, and double support phase interacted with GMFM D and E. There was a negative correlation between motor function level and the change from baseline. Children with lower motor function show a greater change from baseline. CONCLUSION:There were no significant differences between CBWSTT and RAGT for children with CP; however, with gait training interventions, the level of motor function should be considered.

Keywords: Robotic, gait, child, cerebral palsy, treadmill, rehabilitation

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-240156

Journal: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. 55, no. 1, pp. 127-136, 2024