Correlation Physiological Cost Index

Objective: To compare the efficacy of a gait training program using robotic assistance combined with virtual reality versus robotic assistance alone on energy expenditure in children with cerebral palsy. Participants: Children with cerebral palsy levels II, III, IV, and V according to the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS), from different paediatric physiotherapy centres and schools in Valencia, Spain. Intervention: Gait training using an inexpensive robotic gait training system (CL1Walker) and participation in a virtual reality game, Treasure Hunt (abbreviated here as ACT, from the Spanish A la Caza del Tesoro) in the experimental group (GTVR) and gait training using the same robotic gait training system without using virtual reality in the control group (GT). Measurements: Assessment using the Physiological Cost Index (PCI) one week prior to and after the intervention. The intraclass correlation (ICC) replicability and the minimum detectable change (MDC) of the PCI.

Design: Longitudinal, prospective, double blind study with two treatment groups and repeated measurements, controlled for the condition without virtual reality.