# Comparative Effects of Partial Body Weight-Supported and Loaded Treadmill Training on Motor Performance in Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Randomized Clinical Trial

## TL;DR

This study compares two treadmill training methods for children with cerebral palsy and finds both improve walking, but one better supports balance.

## Contribution

The study provides evidence on the comparative effectiveness of PBWSTT and LTT for motor performance in children with CP.

## Key findings

- Both PBWSTT and LTT significantly improved spatiotemporal gait parameters in children with CP.
- PBWSTT showed greater improvement in gross motor function related to walking, running, and jumping compared to LTT.

## Abstract

Background and Objectives: Children with cerebral palsy (CP) improve walking abilities through partial body weight-supported treadmill training (PBWSTT) and loaded treadmill training (LTT), but there is no consensus on the most effective method. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of PBWSTT and LTT on spatiotemporal gait parameters in children with CP. Materials and Methods: A randomized clinical trial involved 25 children aged 12+ with spastic diplegic CP from various outpatient clinics in Taif and Makkah between January 2024 and January 2025. Participants were randomly assigned to PBWSTT (30% body weight support, n = 12) or LTT (60% lower limb weight loading, n = 13) with 45 min sessions three times per week for eight weeks, including conventional therapy. Results: The spatiotemporal gait parameters (such as gait speed, cadence, stride length, swing phase, and swing width) significantly improved within the PBWSTT and LTT groups, but no significant difference was found between the groups. The gross motor function measure, dimension E (for walking, running, and jumping), showed significantly higher improvement in the PBWSTT group compared to the LTT group (p = 0.047). Conclusions: This study indicates that PBWSTT and LTT can improve gait parameters in children with CP, with PBWSTT promoting postural control and LTT improving mobility. These findings suggest that the proposed rehabilitation strategies can significantly improve the functional outcomes of pediatric cerebral palsy patients.