Article

Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common cause of motor disability among children.
Limited evidence exists regarding the efficacy of traditional rehabilitation
strategies on improving ambulatory function in this population. The purpose of
the study was to investigate the feasibility and short-term effects of a novel
large amplitude movement therapy on ambulatory functions in children with CP.
Temporal-spatial gait characteristics were examined before and after a single
intervention session, replicated over five children. Five children with CP (7.0
+/- 1.0 years); Gross Motor Function Classification System Levels I-II,
participated. Baseline gait parameters were obtained as the participant walked
across an instrumented walkway at self-selected and fast speeds. Children then
participated in a 20-30 min intervention focused on making body and limb
movements as large as possible with gait assessment repeated immediately. All
children tolerated testing and therapy with no adverse effects. Outcomes after
one intervention included: significantly greater stride velocity; reduced double
support time; and greater stride length after training for three of the five
participants. Results for this pilot study suggested that the large amplitude
movement therapy was feasible for children with CP. There is a need for a larger
scale study to determine if the protocol can be effective at an appropriate
clinical dose.

Langue : ANGLAIS