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A Backward Walking Training Program to Improve Balance and Mobility in Children with Cerebral Palsy
Ji-Young Choi1, Sung-Min Son1, Se-Hee Park2
1Department of Physical Therapy, College of Health Science, Cheongju University, Cheongju 28503, Korea.
Insights
Backward walking training significantly improved balance and gait in children with cerebral palsy more than forward walking. This approach enhances motor skills and functional mobility.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric rehabilitation
- Neuroscience
- Motor control
Background:
- Cerebral palsy (CP) affects motor function in children.
- Balance and gait impairments are common in children with CP.
- Novel therapeutic strategies are needed to improve functional outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of backward walking training on balance and gait in children with CP.
- To compare backward walking training with forward walking training.
- To assess the impact on functional walking variables and balance measures.
Main Methods:
- Single-blinded, randomized controlled trial with a crossover design.
- 12 children with CP were divided into forward (FWG) and backward walking groups (BWG).
- Training involved 4 weeks of 3 sessions/week, 40 min/day, followed by a 6-week break and crossover. Measurements included Time-Up-and-Go (TUG), Figure-8 Walk Test (FW8T), and Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS).
Main Results:
- Both FWG and BWG showed improvements in walking speed, stride length, and step length.
- BWG demonstrated significantly greater improvement in walking speed compared to FWG (p < 0.05).
- Significant improvements were observed in TUG, FW8T, and PBS, with greater gains in the BWG for PBS.
Conclusions:
- Backward walking training, particularly with motor dual tasks, is a promising intervention for improving balance and gait in children with spastic hemiplegia.
- This method appears more effective than traditional forward walking training.
- Enhances functional mobility and balance in pediatric CP populations.
Background:
We studied the effects of motor tasks using backward walking training on balance and gait functions of children with cerebral palsy. This was a single-blinded, randomized controlled trial with a crossover design conducted at a single facility.
Methods:
Among 12 children with cerebral palsy, the forward (FWG) (n = 6) and backward walking groups (BWG) (n = 6) underwent training three times a week for 4 weeks, 40 min a day. After a 6-week break, the crossover training was conducted. Functional walking variables were measured. Time-Up-and-Go (TUG) test, Figure-8 Walk Test (FW8T), and Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS) were used for measuring balance.
Results:
Both groups showed significant improvement in walking speed, stride length, and step length. The BWG demonstrated significant improvement in walking speed (p < 0.05) compared with the FWG. The TUG test, FW8T, and PBS showed significant improvement. After the 4-week intervention, both groups displayed a remarkable decrease in TUG duration and FW8T. Both groups also exhibited improvement in the PBS; more so in the BWG.
Conclusions:
Backward walking training with motor dual tasks could be a more effective interventional approach than forward walking training to improve balance and walking functions of children with spastic hemiplegia.
