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Journal of Pediatric Neurology 2022; 20(03): 164-170
DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1725128
Original Article

Effectiveness of Robot-Assisted Gait Training on Functional Skills in Children with Cerebral Palsy

Burak Yaşar 
1   Department of Physical Therapy, Pendik Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Medical Center, Istanbul, Turkey
,
Emine Atıcı 
2   Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences, Istanbul Okan University, Istanbul, Turkey
,
Derya Azim Razaei 
2   Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences, Istanbul Okan University, Istanbul, Turkey
,
Tülay Çevik Saldıran 
3   Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Bitlis Eren University, School of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey
› Author Affiliations Funding None.
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Abstract

This study was aimed to investigate the effects of robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) on motor functions, spasticity status, balance, and functionality in children with cerebral palsy (CP). A total of 26 patients who were diagnosed with CP (diplegic, with gross motor function classification system [GMFCS] levels of 2–5) and who regularly participated in a rehabilitation program were recruited in the study after obtaining approval from their parents. The patients were randomly assigned to two groups. Group 1 (n = 13) received conventional physical therapy (65 minutes, 2 days/week × 8) and group 2 (n = 13) received 25 minutes of RAGT (RoboGait) in addition to conventional therapy (CT; 40 minutes, 2 days/week × 8). GMFCS was used to evaluate motor functions and the Modified Ashworth Scale was used to evaluate spasticity. The pediatric Berg balance scale, pediatric functional independence measure, and timed up and go tests were employed to assess balance and functional status. The evaluations were performed at baseline and after 8 weeks of therapy. Both rehabilitation methods led to a statistically significant decrease in spasticity (p < 0.05); however, there was no difference in this improvement of spasticity between the groups (p > 0.05). Both groups exhibited significant improvements in functional independence, balance, and performance at the end of therapy (p < 0.05), and there was no significant difference between the groups (p > 0.05). The results of this study show that addition of RAGT to CT for 8 weeks is not superior to CT alone in children with CP.

Keywords

cerebral palsy - robotic-gait training - spasticity - functional skills


Publication History

Received: 01 December 2020

Accepted: 21 January 2021

Article published online:
22 March 2021

© 2021. Thieme. All rights reserved.

Georg Thieme Verlag KG
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