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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.
Insights
A rehabilitation program with home-based vibration therapy improved gait efficiency in children with cerebral palsy (CP). This therapy shows promise for enhancing mobility in young individuals with CP.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Biomechanical Engineering
Background:
- Cerebral palsy (CP) affects motor function, impacting gait in children.
- Effective rehabilitation strategies are crucial for improving motor outcomes in pediatric CP.
- Home-based therapies offer accessibility and consistency in treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of a combined rehabilitation and home-based vibration-assisted therapy on gait parameters in children with CP.
- To assess changes in gait efficiency, velocity, and step length over time.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 180 children (GMFCS Level I and II) with CP.
- Gait analysis using Leonardo Mechanograph® Gangway at three time points: baseline (M0), 6 months (M6), and 12 months (M12).
- Statistical comparison of gait parameter changes between treatment (M6-M0) and follow-up (M12-M6) intervals using the Wilcoxon test.
Main Results:
- Significant improvement in gait efficiency was observed between M6 and M0 (p=0.038).
- No significant differences were found in the change of mean velocity and average step length between the M6-M0 and M12-M6 intervals.
- Gait efficiency improvements were maintained at the 12-month follow-up.
Conclusions:
- The combined rehabilitation and vibration-assisted therapy program appears effective in enhancing gait efficiency in children with CP.
- The findings suggest that this therapeutic approach can lead to sustained improvements in mobility.
- Further research could explore optimal protocols and long-term effects.
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.
