Treadmill Training for Children and Youth with Cerebral Palsy

Abstract

The aim of treadmill training is to promote gait acquisition or improvement of gait quality by using a motorized beltwhich allows for multiple repetitions within a treatment session and stepping without requiring forward propulsion. Treadmill training can be done using a variety of devices – from inexpensive exercise treadmills to split-belt or force-plate embedded devices that can be used with dynamic partial body weight support. Treadmill training can be safely performed with children at GMFCS levels I–IV, and intervention dosing and progression should be tailored to the goals of the therapy. Treadmill training has the potential to address body function and structure impairments, activity limitations, and participation restrictions, while the greatest evidence is for improvements in walking speed over short distances.