Choi JY, Jin LH, Jeon MS, Kim MH, Yang SS, Sohn MK. Training intensity of robot-assisted gait training in children with cerebral palsy.
Dev Med Child Neurol 2024;
66:1096-1105. [PMID:
38303153 DOI:
10.1111/dmcn.15834]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2022] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
AIM
We compared three different intensities of robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) for achieving favourable outcomes in children with cerebral palsy (CP).
METHOD
This study was conducted using a randomized controlled, single-blind design. Thirty children (19 males and 11 females; mean age 6 years 1 month, SD 2 years) with CP classified in Gross Motor Function Classification System levels II and III were assigned to three different RAGT intensity groups: high-intensity (fastest walking speed and lowest body weight support [BWS]), low-intensity (slowest speed and highest BWS), and comfortable intensity (intermediate speed and intermediate BWS). The RAGT intervention was performed three times a week for 6 weeks. Outcome measures included the 88-item Gross Motor Function Measure, stability index, spatiotemporal parameters of gait analysis, paediatric functional independence measure, and the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure.
RESULTS
The 88-item Gross Motor Function Measure was significantly improved after training in the high-intensity (D Δ8.3 ± 15.6; E Δ3.8 ± 4.1) and comfortable intensity (D Δ2.9 ± 3.1; E Δ1.2 ± 2.0) groups, whereas gait speed was improved in the comfortable intensity group, without statistically significant group differences. Only the low-intensity group showed improvement on the stability index (Δ -0.6 ± 0.9, p = 0.05). Everyday functional performance significantly improved in all three groups, with the comfortable intensity group showing the greatest improvement.
INTERPRETATION
Different training intensities produced improvement in different areas; individualized RAGT intensity adjustment is therefore needed based on the rehabilitation goal.
Collapse