Effects of the Integration of Dynamic Weight Shifting Training Into Treadmill Training on Walking Function of Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Randomized Controlled Study.

Only 11 children in the robotic group and 10 in the treadmill only group completed all sessions, so the sample was small. Physical therapists who delivered the intervention and assessed outcomes were not blinded, which could bias the results. All participants could ambulate with or without assistive devices, so it is unclear whether children who cannot ambulate even with devices would benefit. The GMFCS range was broad, and higher-function children had greater endurance gains, so the average result may not apply to all functional levels. Gains were not significant at follow-up and were only partially retained, so durability is unclear. The robotic group received treadmill training, leg assistance, pelvis assistance, and verbal encouragement together, so the contribution of each component cannot be separated.

Do not conclude that pelvic weight shifting assistance alone is proven to improve walking speed over treadmill training. The robotic group also received treadmill training and leg swing assistance, and between-group speed gains did not differ.