Impact of Robotic Assisted Treadmill Gait Training on Walking Performance in Children With Spastic Diplegic Cerebral Palsy: A Randomized Controlled Study.

Both groups showed improvement in walking variables, but the study group receiving RATGT demonstrated statistically significant improvement across all measured walking variables.

• Statistically significant improvement of all measured variables in group B (p < 0.05)
• Measured variables included walking speed, step length, step symmetry, and 6-minute walk test
• Group A received a regular physical therapy program based on the neurodevelopmental approach
• Group B received RATGT using Lokomat in addition to the regular physical therapy program

There was a statistically significant difference between the control group and the RATGT group when comparing post-treatment mean values of all measured walking variables.

• Significant difference between groups when comparing post-treatment mean values of all measured variables (p < 0.05)
• Walking performance was assessed using Biodex Gait Trainer II for walking speed, step length, and step symmetry
• Walking capacity was assessed using the 6-minute walk test
• The between-group comparison favored the RATGT group (group B)

The study enrolled 40 children with spastic diplegia who were randomly allocated into two equal groups of 20 children each.

• Children's ages ranged from 6 to 11 years
• Inclusion criteria required children to be able to ambulate and display abnormal gait kinematics
• Children were randomly classified into two groups of equal number (n = 20 per group)
• This was a randomized controlled trial registered with the Pan African Clinical Trials Registry (PACTR202503598420671)

RATGT using the Lokomat device was identified as an effective additional therapeutic modality to improve walking performance in children with spastic diplegia.

• The Lokomat robotic device was used to deliver robotic-assisted treadmill gait training
• RATGT was administered in addition to, not instead of, the regular physical therapy program
• Findings suggested that RATGT could be used as an additional therapeutic modality
• The study targeted improvements in walking speed, step length, step symmetry, and walking capacity

Children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy frequently experience gait difficulties that significantly affect their independence and quality of life.

• Gait difficulties in diplegic cerebral palsy can significantly affect independence and quality of life
• Abnormal gait kinematics were used as an inclusion criterion, confirming the presence of measurable gait impairment in the study population
• Advanced technologies such as robotic-assisted training present opportunities to enhance walking abilities and overall functional performance