Plantar Flexor Training Improves Walking in People with Cerebral Palsy

摘要

Purpose : We examined our hypothesis that a 7-week program of plantar flexor training improves gait function, by using spatiotemporal and Center of pressure （COP） parameters. Subject : Three subjects with cerebral palsy (13.7 ± 5.4 years old), who are possible to serial walk 10 m or more, and understand oral instructions, were included in the study. Methods : We employed a single-subject ABA′ design consisting of a 7-week baseline phase, a 7-week intervention phase, and a 7-week post intervention phase. The subjects were given training 3 times a week during the intervention phase. Result : Two cases showed a significant improvement in the walking ability and the walking efficiency, one case showed a significant improvement in the walking efficiency. These results support our hypothesis. Conclusion : It is not easy to improve gait function by increasing the amount of the activity of the muscle for people with cerebral palsy who have not haven a normal movement pattern since their birth. However, the approach of the amount which has been a contraindication, is one of the important approaches for it to improve and maintain gait function.