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High-Intensity Gait Training Intervention for Children With Cerebral Palsy: A Case Series.
Megha Sanjiv1, Martha H Bloyer, Cheryl Gimenez
1Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Pediatric Physical Therapy (Drs Sanjiv, Bloyer, and Moore); Department of Physical Therapy (Drs Bloyer and Moore), University of Miami; Nicklaus Children's Hospital Pediatric Residency Program (Drs Sanjiv, Bloyer, Gimenez, and Moore), University of Miami; Nicklaus Children's Hospital (Dr Gimenez), Miami, Florida.
High-intensity gait training (HIGT) improved walking speed, endurance, and ability in children with cerebral palsy (CP). This pilot study showed short-term gains, warranting further research.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric physical therapy
- Neuromuscular rehabilitation
- Biomechanical analysis of gait
Background:
- Cerebral palsy (CP) significantly impacts motor function, particularly gait.
- Current physical therapy interventions aim to improve mobility and functional independence.
- High-intensity gait training (HIGT) is an emerging approach with potential benefits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate participation in high-intensity gait training (HIGT) in children with cerebral palsy (CP).
- To assess changes in gait speed, endurance, aerobic capacity, and walking ability following HIGT.
- To describe the feasibility and preliminary outcomes of HIGT in this pediatric population.
Main Methods:
- A pilot case series involving three children diagnosed with CP.
- Participants underwent 5 weeks of HIGT, replacing their standard physical therapy.
- Outcome measures for gait, aerobic capacity, and motor function were assessed pre- and post-intervention.
Main Results:
- All participants achieved or exceeded the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for 10-meter walk test speed and 6-minute walk test distance.
- Two participants surpassed the MCID for the 7.5-meter shuttle run test and Gross Motor Function Measure-88 Dimension E.
- Short-term improvements in key walking outcome measures were observed.
Conclusions:
- Participation in HIGT demonstrated short-term benefits for walking outcomes in children with CP.
- HIGT shows promise as an intervention to enhance gait parameters.
- Further investigation via larger, diverse randomized controlled trials is recommended to establish optimal parameters and long-term effects.
