The effectiveness of robotic-assisted gait training for paediatric gait disorders: systematic review
Lefmann S, Russo R & Hillier S
Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation 201714:1
DOI: 10.1186/s12984-016-0214-x
Link to full text: jneuroengrehab.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12984-016-0214-x
Objective: to review evidence for robotic-assisted gait training (RAGT) in children and adolescents with gait disorders as a consequence of cerebral palsy; or of musculo-skeletal, neurological orthopedic origin.
Process: Six databases were searched from 1980 to October, 2016. Data were extracted using the PRISMA model. http://www.prisma-statement.org/
Outcomes: Three trials that met the standard of randomized controlled trial; two were selected. Meta-analysis of the two trials showed "weak and inconsistent evidence regarding the use of RAGT for children with gait disorders".
Studies of lower design related mostly to children with cerebral palsy; these did show improved gait attributes such as speed, standing ability and walking distance. "… a clinical recommendation to adopt RAGT in children and adolescents with gait impairment cannot be made until more consistent findings are reported in larger randomized controlled trials."