Evidence reviewed as of before 01-01-2021 Author(s): Ogourtsova, T. (PhD OT); Steven, E. (MSc App OT); Iliopoulos, G. (MSc App OT); Deleva, V. (MSc App OT) & Majnemer, A. (PhD, OT, FCAHS)

Introduction

The development of independent and efficient walking is an important therapeutic goal for most children with cerebral palsy. Treadmill training is an intervention used to promote the attainment of that goal as well as to improve gross motor skills, such as standing, balance, and stair climbing. It is based on the principle of motor learning which suggests that practice, repetition and task-specific training are essential for improvement in activities such as walking in people with neurological disorders.

Treadmill training has been extensively studied in rehabilitation of adults with stroke or spinal cord injury. It commonly involves the use of a suspension system to provide support which is known as partial body weight support treadmill training (PBWSTT).

Accessed on June 8, 2022 from https://www.physio4kids.org.uk/litegait.php

Parent & Family Information

Clinician Information

Preterm infants with periventricular injury (38% later diagnosed with CP)

GMFCS level II, IV, V

Children with hypotonic/spastic CP

GMFCS level I-II

References

  • Campbell, S. K., Gaebler-Spira, D., Zawacki, L., Clark, A., Boynewicz, K., deRegnier, R. A., Kuroda, M. M., Bhat, R., Yu, J., Campise-Luther, R., Kale, D., Bulanda, M., & Zhou, X. J. (2012). Effects on motor development of kicking and stepping exercise in preterm infants with periventricular brain injury: a pilot study. Journal of pediatric rehabilitation medicine5(1), 15–27. https://doi.org/10.3233/PRM-2011-0185

  • Mattern-Baxter, K., McNeil, S., & Mansoor, J. K. (2013). Effects of home-based locomotor treadmill training on gross motor function in young children with cerebral palsy: a quasi-randomized controlled trial. Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation94(11), 2061–2067. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apmr.2013.05.012

     

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