Denise M. Begnoche & Ken H. Pitetti
The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of intensive traditional physical therapy treatment methods combined with partial body weight treadmill training (PBWTT) on motor and ambulatory skills of children with cerebral palsy. Five children (2.3 to 9.7 years) with cerebral palsy participated in a therapy program for four weeks, three to four sessions per week, for two hours per session. Outcomes were measured using the Gross Motor Function Measure, Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory, pedographs, and the Timed 10-Meter Walk Test.
Wilcoxon paired-sample tests and percent changes showed a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in mean step length differences. Results indicated improvements in motor and ambulatory skills of individual children indicating positive measurable outcomes of intensive physical therapy with partial body weight treadmill training.
The authors conclude that an intensive episode of physical therapy of reasonable frequency and duration that includes partial body weight treadmill training may be effective in improving motor skills of children with spastic CP.
Pediatric Physical Therapy, 2007. 19(1):11-19