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[Effectiveness of robotic assistance for gait training in children with cerebral palsy. a systematic review]
1Unidad de Kinesiología, Instituto Teletón Temuco, Temuco, Chile.
Insights
Robot-assisted gait training shows potential for children with cerebral palsy (CP). However, current evidence is insufficient to confirm its effectiveness compared to traditional physical rehabilitation due to study variability.
Area of Science:
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Pediatric Neurology
- Robotics in Healthcare
Background:
- Robotic assistance for gait training is increasingly used in children with cerebral palsy (CP).
- This approach aims to improve mobility and functional outcomes in this population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically evaluate the effectiveness of robot-assisted gait training versus traditional physical rehabilitation for children with CP.
- The assessment is based on the International Classification of Functioning, Health and Disability (ICF) framework.
Main Methods:
- A systematic review following Cochrane Collaboration guidelines was conducted.
- Included were randomized or quasi-randomized trials of children with CP (GMFCS I-III).
- Searches were performed across multiple databases, with data extraction and bias assessment by independent researchers.
Main Results:
- Four studies met the inclusion criteria.
- Evaluated parameters included temporal-spatial, kinetic, and kinematic gait measures, aligning with the ICF's activity component.
Conclusions:
- Methodological heterogeneity across studies prevents definitive conclusions.
- Further research is needed to establish the efficacy of robot-assisted gait training in pediatric CP.
Introduction:
In recent years, the use of gait training using robotic assistance systems has progressively increased in the paediatric population with cerebral palsy.
Objective:
To systematically assess the effects of robotic assistance for gait training compared with physical rehabilitation therapy in children with cerebral palsy (CP), based on the International Classification of Functioning, Health and Disability (ICF).
Materials And Methods:
A systematic review was carried out according to the recommendations of the Cochrane Collaboration. We included randomised or quasi-randomised clinical trials that analysed children with CP classified according to The Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) I-III. The search was carried out in PubMed, PEDro, CENTRAL, CINALH, Cochrane, Embase, Europe PMC, LILACS and Science Direct. The selection and extraction of data from the studies was carried out by two independent researchers. Disagreements were resolved by consensus. A descriptive analysis of the selected studies was performed. Assessment of risk of bias was performed with the Cochrane Collaboration tool.
Results:
Four studies met the eligibility criteria. Most of the temporal-spatial, kinetic and kinematic parameters of gait were evaluated, all corresponding to the activity component of the ICF.
Conclusions:
Due to the methodological variability of the studies, it is not possible to determine whether robot-assisted gait training is effective for treatment in children with CP.
