Improving Trunk Postural Control Facilitates Walking in Children With Cerebral Palsy: A Pilot Study.
Shijun Yan, Seoung Hoon Park, Renee Keefer and 4 others
PMID 36946368WHAT IT FOUND
Children with cerebral palsy walked with longer steps and higher leg lifts when wearing a belt that supported both their upper and lower trunk during treadmill walking.
This acute support also increased muscle activity in the weaker leg, suggesting trunk stability helps leg swing.
Key findings
01Combined upper and lower trunk support significantly increased step length and step height of the weaker leg compared to baseline.
02Trunk support conditions significantly increased muscle activity of the soleus, vastus medialis, and adductor magnus in the weaker leg during stance.
03Support applied only to the lower trunk was less effective than support applied to the upper trunk or both levels.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTs
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What it does not show
This was a pilot study with a small sample size (12 analyzed) and heterogeneous participants. The study only measured acute effects (1 minute of support); it is unknown if these benefits persist with long-term use or transfer to overground walking. Most participants were high-functioning (GMFCS levels I and II), so results may not apply to children with more severe impairments (GMFCS level III). EMG was recorded only from the weaker side of the body. Participants wore ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) or held handrails, which may have influenced gait patterns.
Declared interests
The authors declared no conflicts of interest. The study was supported by the National Institutes of Health.
The easy way to misread this
Do not interpret these results as evidence that trunk support training improves long-term walking function or transfers to overground walking. The study only measured immediate changes during treadmill walking in a small group of high-functioning children.