J Korean Phys Ther.  2019 Oct;31(5):292-297. 10.18857/jkpt.2019.31.5.292.

Effects of Backward Walking Training with Task Orientation on the Functional Gait of Children with Spastic Hemiplegia

• Choi JY
• Son SM
• Kim CJ

• KMID: 2465120
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.18857/jkpt.2019.31.5.292

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.

Keyword

Backward walking; Gait; Task-orientation; Cerebral palsy

MeSH Terms

Arm
Cerebral Palsy
Child*
Cross-Over Studies
Gait*
Hemiplegia*
Humans
Muscle Spasticity*
Rehabilitation
Walking*