A Systematic Review of the Effectiveness of Treadmill Training and Body Weight Support in Pediatric Rehabilitation

This study reviews the effectiveness of treadmill training and body weight support for children with motor disabilities. It looks at various conditions like cerebral palsy, spinal cord injuries, and Down syndrome. The review analyzes existing research to determine if these training methods improve walking and movement skills in children. It also checks if there are enough guidelines to help therapists use these methods properly. The findings suggest that treadmill training is beneficial for children with Down syndrome. However, more research is needed to confirm the benefits for children with cerebral palsy, spinal cord injuries, and other neurological conditions.

• 1
  Treadmill training is effective in accelerating walking development in children with Down syndrome.
• 2
  Evidence is insufficient to support the efficacy of body weight supported treadmill training for improving gait in children with cerebral palsy, spinal cord injuries, and other central nervous system disorders.
• 3
  Many studies noted positive, yet small, effects of body weight supported treadmill training for improving gait in children with cerebral palsy, spinal cord injuries, and other central nervous system disorders.