Robotic gait training in an adult with cerebral palsy: a case report

Improved treatments and rehabilitation for cerebral palsy (CP) have led to an increased number of children with CP surviving into adulthood. Adults with CP show an increased prevalence of pain, fatigue, and musculoskeletal dysfunction, leading to a decrease in ambulatory function. Recent work has demonstrated the potential benefits of intensive task-specific gait training, including the use of robotic-driven gait orthoses, on motor recovery in children with CP [1,2]. In contrast, reports of interventions aimed at improving motor function in adults with CP are lacking. This case study reports on the outcomes of a 6-week intervention of robotic-assisted gait training administered to a 52-year-old woman with right hemiplegia attributable to CP. Improvements were noted in balance, walking speed, and time to negotiate stairs at posttraining and follow-up. Gait analysis showed an increase in step length and a reduction in the period of double support. In conclusion, robotic-assisted gait training may be beneficial in enhancing locomotor function in adults with CP.