The Effect of Locomotor Training on Gait Parameters in Pediatric Patients with Cerebral Palsy: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Abstract

Background. Locomotor training is a relatively new approach in pediatric cerebral palsy, so there is still a lack of data on its effect of such training on walking function.

Aim. To evaluate the effect of locomotor training on gait parameters in pediatric patients with cerebral palsy by reviewing the scientific literature.

Methods. A systematic review with meta-analysis was conducted based on the results of the PubMed (MEDLINE) and the CINAHL Ultimate (EBSCOhost) searches for randomized clinical trials.

Results. Fifteen eligible randomized clinical trials involving 375 pediatric patients with cerebral palsy were included. The results of the meta-analysis showed that locomotor training interventions, compared to standard treatment methods for cerebral palsy, have a small effect on walking speed (Cohen d = 0,16), cadence (Cohen d = 0,16) and step length (Cohen d = 0,18).

Conclusions. There is evidence that supplementing standard treatment with locomotor training interventions has a small positive and lasting effect on walking speed, cadence and step length in pediatric patients with cerebral palsy.

Keywords: cerebral palsy, children, locomotor training, spatiotemporal gait parameters.