Improving spatiotemporal gait parameters in spastic diplegic children using treadmill gait training

Abstract Background Even though several physiotherapy techniques help to improve the spatiotemporal gait parameters of diplegic children, the efficacy of treadmill gait training together with conventional treatment techniques on spatiotemporal parameter improvement needs more investigation. Objective This study's main purpose is to investigate the effect of treadmill gait training as an adjunct to conventional physiotherapy treatment on the spatiotemporal gait parameters of diplegic children. Methods Twenty diplegic children were distributed randomly into two equal groups (a control group of ten children who received a traditional treatment and an experimental group of ten children who received the traditional treatment together with treadmill gait training). Gait data were collected using a Vicon three-dimensional motion analysis system during regular walking. Results Walking speed, cadence, step length, stride length, and single limb support were enhanced in both groups (p  Conclusion The use of treadmill gait training together with conventional physical therapy treatment enhances the walking performance of diplegic children by improving several spatiotemporal gait parameters. Furthermore, walking balance is improved by increasing the single-leg support time.