Effects of a Group-Based Treadmill Program on Children With Neurodevelopmental Impairment Who Are Not Yet Ambulating

Area of Science:

• Pediatric physical therapy
• Neuromotor rehabilitation
• Gross motor skill development

Background:

• Children with neuromotor impairment often face challenges in developing walking skills.
• Early intervention is crucial for improving functional mobility in these children.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of a group-based treadmill program on gross motor skills, specifically walking.
• To assess changes in the level of support required for ambulation in non-ambulatory children with neuromotor impairment.

Main Methods:

• Twelve children (mean age 30.4 months) participated in a 14-week program, attending twice weekly.
• Outcome measures included the Gross Motor Function Measure-88 (GMFM-88) Dimensions D and E, Functional Mobility Scale (FMS), 10-m walk test, and Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI).
• Paired t tests and Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed rank tests were used for data analysis.

Main Results:

• Significant improvements were observed in GMFM-88 Dimensions D (P=.0005) and E (P=.001).
• Functional Mobility Scale scores (P=.039) and PEDI Mobility Scale scores (P=.001) also showed statistically significant increases.
• These results indicate positive functional gains in walking-related abilities.

Conclusions:

• A group-based treadmill intervention can positively influence walking ability in children with neuromotor impairment.
• The findings suggest that this program is an effective approach for enhancing gross motor function and mobility in this population.