Treadmill training effects on duration of gait stance and muscular degree in hemiplegic cerebral palsy children

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate if gait training on treadmill is effective to decrease the support time in paretic limb, investigating associations between this variable and the lower limb muscle strength degree, after treadmill training. For this, we invited eight children aged between six and 14 years old, diagnosed with hemiparetic cerebral palsy. Gait was recorded and transformed in frames, with which were obtained each limb phase of stance duration. Muscle strength was evaluated manually and graded by a specific scale. Then, children underwent gait training on a treadmill for 20 sessions, twice a week. At the end of sessions, walking and strength were revalued. In data analysis we used non-parametric analyses with Wilcoxon and Spearman linear correlation tests. Significant differences were found for stance time, in both limbs, after treadmill training. Correlation test showed significant inverse association, after training, between triceps surae and iliopsoas muscles strength and the stance time percentage of non-impaired limb. Gait training on a treadmill was effective, resulting muscle strength gains and stance duration reducing, thus improving ambulation quality.