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Effect of a Rehabilitation Program Including Home-Based Vibration-Assisted Therapy on Gait Parameters in Children
Stefanie Steven1, Karoline Spiess1, Bruno Lentzen1
1Center of Prevention and Rehabilitation, Medical Faculty and University Hospital, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
Objectives:
The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of a rehabilitation program combined with a home-based vibration-assisted therapy on gait parameters in children with cerebral palsy (CP).
Methods:
In a retrospective study, 180 children, 101 boys and 79 girls, (mean age 7.2 ± 3.3 years) with CP at Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) Level I and Level II were examined using gait analyses with the Leonardo Mechanograph® Gangway at three measurement points. The measurements were conducted before (M0) and after a six-month rehabilitation period (M6), as well as 12 months after the commencement of rehabilitation (M12). The difference between measurement points M6-M0 (treatment interval) and M12-M6 (follow-up interval) were compared, and significance was determined using the Wilcoxon test.
Results:
Children with CP at GMFCS Level I and II demonstrated a significant improvement in gait efficiency (pathlength/distance M6-M0: -0.053 (SD 0.25) vs M12-M6: -0.008 (0.36), p=0.038). There were no significant difference in change of mean velocity and average step length between M6-M0 and M12-M6 (p=0.964 and p=0.611).
Conclusions:
The rehabilitation program seems to enhance gait efficiency in children with CP. German Clinical Trial Registry: DRKS0001131 at www.germanctr.de.
