Body weight supported treadmill training improves the regularity of the stepping kinematics in children with cerebral palsy

Objective: To examine if body weight supported treadmill training (BWSTT) improves the regularity of stepping kinematics in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Methods: Twelve children with CP who had Gross Motor Function Classification Scores that ranged from II-IV participated in 12 weeks of body weight supported treadmill training that was performed 2 days a week. The primary outcome measure was the regularity of the stepping kinematics, which was assessed with Fourier analysis methods. The secondary measures were the preferred walking speed, step length, lower extremity strength and section E of the GMFM. Results: BWSTT improved the rhythmical control of the stepping kinematics, preferred walking speed, step length and GMFM score. The improvements in the regularity of the stepping kinematics were strongly correlated with changes in the preferred walking speed, step length and GMFM score. Conclusion: BWSTT can improve the motor control of the walk performance of children with CP.