Body-Weight Supported Treadmill Training Combined with Supplemental Aerobic Exercises for a Child with Cerebral Palsy: A Case Report

Background. Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a non-progressive neurological disorder that commonly affects children. People with CP exhibit significantly higher energy costs and lower endurance with ambulation when compared to those without the disorder. Purpose and Case Description. The intent of this case report was to investigate the aerobic effects of an 18 week outpatient endurance training program using Body-Weight Supported Treadmill Training (BWSTT) in conjunction with supplemental aerobic activities on a fully cognitive, ambulatory, sedentary, 11 year-old female diagnosed with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy (CP). Outcomes. Measures used to determine progress include PCI, estimated VO2 peak and VO2 max, functional gait measures, and 6 MWT. The subject’s response to treatment included: decreased PCI, increased VO2 peak and VO2 max, increased walking speed, increased symmetrical step length, increased maximum treadmill duration, and signs of increased parasympathetic cardiac modulation. Discussion. Combining BWSTT with other aerobic activities may be an effective method to increase endurance in ambulatory children with spastic CP.