Investigating the Effectiveness of Functional Partial Body Weight Support Treadmill Training (FPBWSTT) on Mobility and Functionality in Children with Ataxia

Background/Objectives: Ataxia is quite common in pediatric neuromotor disorders and with highly heterogeneous etiology. Mobility difficulties and functional limitations reflect the lack of coordination in this population. The aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness of an intensive program of functional partial body weight support treadmill training (FPBWSTT) on mobility and functionality of children with ataxia. Methods: Through a stratified randomized control trial, a sample of 18 children with progressive and non-progressive ataxia and GMFCS II-IV (mean age: 14 years, standard deviation: 2.5) was assessed prior, post-intervention, and 2 months after its end. Motor and functional skills were assessed with Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM, items D-E), Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS), 10-meter walk test (10MWT), 6min-walk test (6MWT), Scale for Assessment and Rating Ataxia (SARA), Timed-Up and Go (TUG) test, spatiotemporal gait parameters, kinetic and kinematic variables of pelvis and lower limb. Results: Statistically significant interactions and changes in favor of the FPBWSTT were found in all functional assessments and spatiotemporal gait parameters (p0.05), while kinetic variables were insufficiently collected and were not statistically analyzed. Conclusions: The FPBWSTT is more effective on mobility and functionality of children with ataxia, 8-18 years old, compared to typical physiotherapy. The kinematic variables may not be sensitive indicators of change over a short period of time and/or in this population.