@article{ref1,
title="A backward walking training program to improve balance and mobility in children with cerebral palsy",
journal="Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland)",
year="2021",
author="Choi, Ji-Young and Son, Sung-Min and Park, Se-Hee",
volume="9",
number="9",
pages="e1191-e1191",
abstract="BACKGROUND: We studied the effects of motor tasks using backward walking training on balance and gait functions of children with cerebral palsy. This was a single-blinded, randomized controlled trial with a crossover design conducted at a single facility. <br><br>METHODS: Among 12 children with cerebral palsy, the forward (FWG) (n = 6) and backward walking groups (BWG) (n = 6) underwent training three times a week for 4 weeks, 40 min a day. After a 6-week break, the crossover training was conducted. Functional walking variables were measured. Time-Up-and-Go (TUG) test, Figure-8 Walk Test (FW8T), and Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS) were used for measuring balance. <br><br>RESULTS: Both groups showed significant improvement in walking speed, stride length, and step length. The BWG demonstrated significant improvement in walking speed (p < 0.05) compared with the FWG. The TUG test, FW8T, and PBS showed significant improvement. After the 4-week intervention, both groups displayed a remarkable decrease in TUG duration and FW8T. Both groups also exhibited improvement in the PBS; more so in the BWG. <br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Backward walking training with motor dual tasks could be a more effective interventional approach than forward walking training to improve balance and walking functions of children with spastic hemiplegia.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="2227-9032",
doi="10.3390/healthcare9091191",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/healthcare9091191"
}