Robot-assisted gait training might be beneficial for more severely affected children with cerebral palsy

Abstract

PURPOSE: Robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) can complement conventional therapies in children with cerebral palsy. We investigated changes in walking-related outcomes between children with different Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels and the dose-response relationship. METHODS: Data from 67 children (3.9-19.9 years) with GMFCS levels II-IV were evaluated retrospectively. Every child received RAGT with the Lokomat complementing a multidisciplinary rehabilitation program. Changes in various walking-related outcomes were assessed. RESULTS: Walking-related outcomes did not improve differently between GMFCS level groups. Significant within-group improvements were mainly observed in children with GMFCS level IV. A dose-response relationship was present for children with GMFCS levels III and IV. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicated that, although children with a GMFCS level IV walked less during an average Lokomat session, they experienced significant improvements in walking-related outcomes. Further, training dose correlated with changes in walking-related outcomes. However, between-group differences in changes in walking-related outcomes were not significant.