Effects of intensive locomotor treadmill training on young children with cerebral palsy.
OBJECTIVE
To examine whether an intensive, short-term locomotor treadmill training program helps children with cerebral palsy (CP) younger than 4 years of age improve their gross motor skills related to ambulation, walking speed, and endurance.


METHODS
Six children with cerebral palsy, ages 2.5 to 3.9 years, participated in treadmill training 3 times per week for 1-hour sessions consisting of 2 individualized treadmill walks, for 4 weeks, and were tested before and after the intervention and at a 1-month follow-up. The outcome measures included the Gross Motor Function Measure-66, the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory, a timed 10-m walk test, and a 6-minute walk test.


RESULTS
Significant differences were found in the Gross Motor Function Measure-66 Dimensions D and E, the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory Mobility Scales, over-ground walking speed, and walking distance.


CONCLUSIONS
The results of this study provide preliminary evidence that children with CP younger than 4 years of age can improve their gross motor function, walking speed, and walking endurance after intensive locomotor treadmill training.
Mattern-Baxter
Katrin
K
Department of Physical Therapy, University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA 95211, USA. kbaxter@pacific.edu
Bellamy
Sandra
S
Mansoor
Jim K
JK
D002547:Cerebral Palsy / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005080:Exercise Test; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D005260:Female; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006339:Heart Rate; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010807:Physical Endurance; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D004856:Postural Balance; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D016138:Walking