Intensive Home-based Treadmill Training and Walking Attainment in Young Children With Cerebral Palsy

The purpose of this study is to determine optimal parameters for dosing home-based treadmill training by comparing high-intensity (5 days/week, twice daily for 10-20 min for 6 weeks) to low-intensity (2 days/week, once daily for 10-20 minutes for 6 weeks) treadmill training; and to compare the effects of high- versus low-intensity treadmill training on walking attainment and overall walking activity in young children with cerebral palsy. Hypotheses * A more intensive protocol of treadmill training will increase walking onset in young children with CP. * A more intensive protocol of treadmill training will increase overall walking activity in young children with CP. Specific Aims * To determine optimal parameters for dosing home-based treadmill training by comparing high-intensity to low-intensity home-based treadmill training. * To compare the effects of high- versus low-intensity treadmill training on walking onset and overall walking activity. Study design •Prospective randomized controlled trial Study population •Two groups of 12 children with CP under the age of 3 years and are not walking yet will receive either home-based high-intensity treadmill training or low-intensity treadmill training. The children will be assessed before, immediately after, at 1-month and at 4-months following the intervention via standardized outcome measures.