The Effects of Posterior Rolling Walkers vs. the Standard Rolling Walker on Gait Characteristics of Children with Spastic Cerebral Palsy

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

1-1990

Program

Physical Therapy

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine if significant differences occurred in the gait characteristics of thirteen 2 to 10 year-old children with cerebral palsy(CP) when using a standard rolling walker (SRW), a two-wheeled posterior walker (PRW2), or a four-wheeled posterior walker (PRW4). The walker differ in that the PRW2 and PRW4 are positioned behind the child, while the SRW is used in the traditional forward position. The footprint method of gait analysis was used to record and reduce data on velocity, cadence, stride length, step length, toe angle and base of support. Diffences among the walker types were examined by a One-way Analysis of Variance with repeated measures performed on eacch of the gait characteristics of interest. Duncan Multiple Comparison Tests were used to locate differences when found. Significant increases in velocity, right and left stride length, and left step length occurred with the use of the PRW4 as compared to either the PRW2 or the SRW. No significant differences were evident between the PRW2 and the SRW. This study shows evidence that the combination of the frame position and four ratcheted wheels of the PRW4 can improve gait by increasing stride length and velocity. Suggestions for further study are also made.

Comments

Published: Levangie, Pamela, et al. "The Effects of Posterior Rolling Walkers vs. the Standard Rolling Walker on Gait Characteristics of Children with Spastic Cerebral Palsy." Physical and Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics 9.4 (1990): 1-17.

DOI

10.1080/J006v09n04_01

Publication

Physical and Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics

Volume

9

Issue

4

Pages

1-17

Link to Full Text


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