Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) / Cerebral Palsy (CP) is considered to be the leading cause of motor disability
among children. Children with CP present with multiple physical impairments including
decreased strength and range of motion (ROM), increased spasticity, and poor balance
and coordination. These impairments often lead to limitations in ankle motor control that
impacts balance and gait function, which puts children at a higher risk for developing
other problems. In recent studies, robotic devices have been developed to address poor
motor control of the upper and lower extremities.
Aim: The aim of this study is to investigate the extent to which the robot-assisted, taskspecific
ankle trainer improve deficits across the three domains of the International
Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) in children with CP.
Method: This is a quasi-experimental, single group, repeated measure design with four
time-testing points through a set training session/protocol. A convenience sample of 5
children with CP were enrolled in the study. All children received 6-weeks of ankle robot
training that included two 45-60 minute sessions per week, for a total of 12 sessions. Data
from Tardieu Scale of spasticity, Boyd and Graham selective motor control, Pediatric
Balance Scale, goniometer, hand held dynamometer, gait mat analysis, accelerometer,
LIFE-H for children questionnaires, ultrasound, and robotic evaluation were collected at
the different time points (1 week and 1 month pre training and 1 week and 1 month post training). Descriptive statistics and repeated measure (ANOVA) were used with SPSS
software for data analysis.
Results: All participants showed improvement in 1. Body Function and Structures (ROM,
tone, strength, balance, ankle control and performance, and muscle architecture), 2.
Activity (gait and activity counts) and 3. Participations over the course of the study.
Conclusion: The results revealed the potential of robot-assisted, task-specific ankle
training to improve motor performance and capacity at the body function, activity and
participation level. Training appeared to have a lasting impact as most gains were
maintained one month following training.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:IUPUI/oai:scholarworks.iupui.edu:1805/17929 |
| Date | 11 1900 |
| Creators | Alotaibi, Madawi H. |
| Contributors | Arnold, Brent, Altenburger, Peter, Munk, Niki, Dierks, Tracy |
| Source Sets | Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis |
| Language | en_US |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Dissertation |
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