Spinal Stimulation and Locomotor Training Help a Child with Cerebral Palsy
Author Information
Author(s): Darryn Atkinson, Kristen Barta, Fabian Bizama, Hazel Anderson, Sheila Brose, Dimitry G Sayenko
Primary Institution: University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences
Hypothesis
Transcutaneous spinal stimulation (TSS) combined with activities-based locomotor training (AB-LT) will improve functional mobility and ambulation in a child with cerebral palsy.
Conclusion
The combination of TSS with AB-LT resulted in greater improvements in functional mobility and gait compared to AB-LT alone in a child with cerebral palsy.
Supporting Evidence
- The participant transitioned from GMFCS level III to level II by the end of the study.
- Improvements were noted in the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) scores from 86.32 to 93.7.
- 10-meter walk test speed increased from 1.05 m/s to 1.43 m/s after the intervention.
Takeaway
A child with cerebral palsy improved his walking and balance after doing special exercises with electrical stimulation on his spine.
Methodology
The participant completed 20 sessions of AB-LT followed by 20 sessions of AB-LT combined with TSS, with assessments conducted before and after each intervention.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to lack of a control group and the subjective nature of some assessments.
Limitations
The study involved only one participant, limiting the generalizability of the findings.
Participant Demographics
A 13-year-old male with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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