Feasibility of motor-assisted elliptical to improve walking, fitness and balance following pediatric acquired brain injury: A case series

Judith M. Burnfield, Guilherme M. Cesar, Thad W. Buster

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

PURPOSE: Walking, fitness, and balance deficits are common following acquired brain injury (ABI). This study assessed feasibility, acceptability, and usefulness of a modified motor-assisted elliptical (ICARE) in addressing walking, fitness, and balance deficits in children with chronic ABIs. METHODS: Three children (>5 years post-ABI) completed 24 ICARE exercise sessions (exercise time, speed, and time overriding motor-assistance gradually increased) to promote mass repetition of gait-like movements and challenge cardiorespiratory fitness. Parents' and children's perceptions of ICARE's safety, comfort, workout, and usability were assessed. Cardiovascular response, gait and balance outcomes were assessed. RESULTS: No adverse events occurred. Parent's Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores of perceived device safety (range 80-99), workout (range 99-100), and usability (range 75-100) were high, while comfort were 76-80 given commercial harness fit and arm support. Children's VAS scores all exceeded 89. Comfortable walking velocity, 2-Minute Walk Test, fitness, and Pediatric Balance Scale scores improved post-training, with many outcomes surpassing established minimal clinically important differences. CONCLUSION: Following engagement in moderate- to vigorous-intensity exercise promoting repetitive step-like movements on a specially adapted motor-assisted elliptical, three children with chronic ABI demonstrated improvements in walking, fitness and balance. Future research in community-based environments with a larger cohort of children with ABI is needed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)539-551
Number of pages13
JournalJournal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine
Volume14
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 2021

Keywords

  • Children
  • balance
  • brain injury
  • elliptical
  • fitness
  • gait training
  • technology

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
  • Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation
  • Rehabilitation

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