Loaded Gait Training on Gross Motor Function in Cerebral Palsy

A randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate the additional effect loaded gait training to conventional physical therapy program on gross motor function and the knee extensors strength in children with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy. Children were divided randomly into two equal groups. The control group received a conventional physical therapy program, while the intervention group received the same program plus loaded gait training. Gross motor functions and knee extensor strength were measured.

A randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate the additional effect loaded gait training to conventional physical therapy program on gross motor function and the knee extensors strength in children with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy (CP). 52 children with bilateral spastic CP, aged 5 to 7 years, were divided randomly into two equal groups. The control group received a conventional physical therapy program, while the intervention group received the same program plus loaded gait training 3 times per week for an hour for 3 months. Gross motor functions were measured by the Gross Motor Function Measure Scale-88 (GMFM-88); standing and walking domains, while knee extensor strength was measured by a hand-held dynamometer.