Cerebral Palsy is a non-progressive condition caused by early brain injury that affects movement, posture, and muscle tone. Spastic diplegia mainly involves the lower limbs, leading to stiffness, weakness, and abnormal gait patterns.
These impairments reduce functional independence and increase caregiver burden. Loaded Treadmill Training and Task Specific Training are two rehabilitation approaches used to improve strength and Gait function.
This study compares their effectiveness in improving gait and functional mobility in children with spastic diplegic CP.
Confirmed diagnosis of Spastic Diplegic Cerebral Palsy
6 to 12 years
Gross Motor Function Classification System Level I to III
Stand independently or with support
Diagnosed with any type other then Spastic Diplegic
Presence of Comorbidities
Severe Cognitive and Communicative impairments
Classified as Gross Motor Function Classification System Level IV and V
Parallel
Loaded Treadmill Training
Deviceloaded treadmill training is a gait rehabilitation approach in which children walk on a treadmill while external loads (such as ankle weights) are applied to the lower limbs. The load is gradually increased to enhance muscle strength, motor learning, and walking performance. This intervention helps improve stride length, cadence, gait velocity, and overall functional mobility in children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy.
Task specific Training
Other interventionTask-specific training is a rehabilitation approach based on repetitive practice of functional activities. Children perform tasks such as standing, walking, stepping, and balance activities in a structured therapy program. This approach aims to enhance coordination, strength, motor control, and functional mobility in children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy.
Change in Gait Parameter: Cadence
Cadence, defined as the step rate or rhythm of the walk, will be measured in steps per minute. This data will be collected and analyzed using the Jakcs Observational Gait Analysis, a 66-item clinical evaluation checklist designed to systematically observe, identify, and document abnormalities or deviations in patient walking patterns.
Change in Gait Parameter: Velocity
Walking velocity (speed) will be measured in meters per minute. This parameter will be assessed and documented using the abbreviated 66-item Jakcs Observational Gait Analysis checklist.
Change in Gait Parameter: Stride Length
Stride length, which is the measurement of the forward distance covered during two successive points of contact made by the same foot, will be measured in meters. This will be recorded using the Jakcs Observational Gait Analysis tool.
Change in Functional Mobility
Functional mobility will be assessed using Dimension E (Walking, Running \& Jumping) of the Gross Motor Function Measure-88 (GMFM-88). The GMFM-88 is a standardized observational instrument designed to assess functional mobility in children with cerebral palsy. It has five dimensions. The items in Dimension E are scored, and the total is calculated by averaging these percentages, where a higher percentage indicates better functional mobility and independence.
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