Effects of Backward Walking Training with Task Orientation on the Functional Gait of Children with Spastic Hemiplegia
10.18857/jkpt.2019.31.5.292
- Author:
Ji Young CHOI
1
;
Sung Min SON
;
Chang Ju KIM
Author Information
1. Department of Physical Therapy, Graduate School of Health Science, Cheongju University, Cheongju, Korea.
- Publication Type:Randomized Controlled Trial
- Keywords:
Backward walking;
Gait;
Task-orientation;
Cerebral palsy
- MeSH:
Arm;
Cerebral Palsy;
Child;
Cross-Over Studies;
Gait;
Hemiplegia;
Humans;
Muscle Spasticity;
Rehabilitation;
Walking
- From:
Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
2019;31(5):292-297
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
PURPOSE: This study examined the effects of backward walking training with task orientation on the functional walking ability of children with cerebral palsy.METHODS: This study was a single-blinded, randomized controlled trial with a crossover design conducted at a single rehabilitation facility with cross-over to the other intervention arm following a two-week break. For a total of 12 children with spastic hemiplegia cerebral palsy, the forward walking training group (n=6) underwent training three times a week for three weeks, 40 minutes a day, and the backward walking training group (n=6) was also trained under the same conditions. To identify the functional walking ability, variables, such as the walking speed, stride length, and step length, were measured using a walk analyzer (OptoGait, Microgate S.r.l, Italy).RESULTS: Both groups showed significant increases in walking speed, stride length, and step length (p<0.01). The backward walking group showed more significant improvement in the walking speed from pre- to post-test (p<0.05). The gait characteristics were similar in the two groups (stride length and step length) but the walking speed in the backward walking group showed a mean difference between the positive effects higher than the forward walking group.CONCLUSION: Task-oriented backward walking training, which was conducted on the ground, may be a more effective treatment approach for improving the walking functions of spastic hemiplegia children than forward walk training.
