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Effects of a supported speed treadmill training exercise program on impairment and function for children with cerebral palsy

  1. THERESE E JOHNSTON1,
  2. KYLE E WATSON2,
  3. SANDY A ROSS3,
  4. PHILIP E GATES4,
  5. JOHN P GAUGHAN5,
  6. RICHARD T LAUER6,
  7. CAROLE A TUCKER6,
  8. JACK R ENGSBERG7

Article first published online: 17 JUN 2011

DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-8749.2011.03990.x

Issue

Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology

Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology

Volume 53, Issue 8, pages 742–750, August 2011

Additional Information

How to Cite

JOHNSTON, T. E., WATSON, K. E., ROSS, S. A., GATES, P. E., GAUGHAN, J. P., LAUER, R. T., TUCKER, C. A. and ENGSBERG, J. R. (2011), Effects of a supported speed treadmill training exercise program on impairment and function for children with cerebral palsy. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology, 53: 742–750. doi: 10.1111/j.1469-8749.2011.03990.x

Author Information

  1. 1

     Department of Physical Therapy, University of the Sciences, Philadelphia, PA.

  2. 2

     Department of Physical Therapy, Shriners Hospitals for Children, Philadelphia, PA.

  3. 3

     School of Health Professions, Maryville University, St Louis, MO.

  4. 4

     Medical Staff, Shriners Hospitals for Children, Shreveport, LA.

  5. 5

     Department of Physiology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA.

  6. 6

     Department of Physical Therapy, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA.

  7. 7

     School of Medicine, Washington University, St Louis, MO, USA.

*Dr Therese E Johnston at Department of Physical Therapy, Sansom College of Health Sciences, University of the Sciences in Philadelphia, 600 South 43rd Street, Box 39, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. E-mail: t.johnston@usp.edu

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 6 JUL 2011
  2. Article first published online: 17 JUN 2011
  3. Accepted for publication 16th March 2011. Published online.

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Aim  To compare the effects of a supported speed treadmill training exercise program (SSTTEP) with exercise on spasticity, strength, motor control, gait spatiotemporal parameters, gross motor skills, and physical function.

Method  Twenty-six children (14 males, 12 females; mean age 9y 6mo, SD 2y 2mo) with spastic cerebral palsy (CP; diplegia, n=12; triplegia, n=2; quadriplegia n=12; Gross Motor Function Classification System levels II–IV) were randomly assigned to the SSTTEP or exercise (strengthening) group. After a twice daily, 2-week induction, children continued the intervention at home 5 days a week for 10 weeks. Data collected at baseline, after 12-weeks’ intervention, and 4 weeks after the intervention stopped included spasticity, motor control, and strength; gait spatiotemporal parameters; Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM); and Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument (PODCI).

Results  Gait speed, cadence, and PODCI global scores improved, with no difference between groups. No significant changes were seen in spasticity, strength, motor control, GMFM scores, or PODCI transfers and mobility. Post-hoc testing showed that gains in gait speed and PODCI global scores were maintained in the SSTTEP group after withdrawal of the intervention.

Interpretation  Although our hypothesis that the SSTTEP group would have better outcomes was not supported, results are encouraging as children in both groups showed changes in function and gait. Only the SSTTEP group maintained gains after withdrawal of intervention.

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