Your Therapy Source Magazine for Pediatric Therapists May 2015 | Page 13

Gait Trainer Use and School and Home
Clinical Rehabilitation published a review of the research on
gait trainer use in home and school settings for children with
motor impairments. Seventeen studies involving 182 children
met the inclusion criteria.
The results indicated the following:
1. one small randomized controlled trial suggested a nonsignificant trend toward increased walking distance
2. a evidence level II study (concurrent multiple baseline
design) reported an increased number of steps.
3. two level III studies (non-randomized two-group studies) reported statistically significant
impact on mobility level
4. one level III student found a significant impact on bowel function and an association
between increased intervention time and bone mineral density.
5. some additional descriptive level evidence provided support for positive impact on a range
of activity outcomes, with some studies reporting impact on affect, motivation and
participation with others.
The researchers concluded that the evidence regarding children using gait trainers is mostly
descriptive and positive although it is insufficient to draw firm conclusions.
Reference: Ginny Paleg and Roslyn Livingstone. Outcomes of gait trainer use in home and
school settings for children with motor impairments: A systematic review
Clin Rehabil 0269215514565947, first published on January 30, 2015
doi:10.1177/0269215514565947

Teaching Motor Skills to Children with Cerebral
Palsy and Similar Movement Disorders – A Guide
for Parents and Professionals
Find out more at
http://yourtherapysource.com/CPmotorskills.html

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