A randomized, cross-over trial comparing the effect of innovative robotic gait training and functional clinical therapy in children with cerebral palsy; a protocol to test feasibility.

PURPOSE: Robotic gait training is relatively new in the world of pediatric rehabilitation. Preliminary feasibility studies and case reports include stationary robot-assisted treadmill training. Mobile robotic gait trainers hold greater promise for intensive practice-based therapy within hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centers, and at-home therapy as they enable participation and social integration while practicing high-quality gait patterns. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This paper (clinical trials registry number: NCT05378243) provides a detailed description of a mixed-method cross-over trial design with a broad set of outcome measures. Ultimately the goal is to establish the feasibility of this design which includes the collection of qualitative data regarding patient, family, and therapist experience and quantitative data regarding gait efficiency and quality, impact on tone, individualized goal achievement and bone strength.

Reasons for hospital admissions among youth and young adults with cerebral palsy.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the most common reasons for acute care hospital admissions among youth (age range, 13-17.9y) and young adults (age range, 23-32.9y) with cerebral palsy (CP). DESIGN: We completed a secondary analysis of data from the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) to determine the most frequently observed reasons for admissions and the associated lengths of stay (LOS). SETTING: Participants were identified from 6 children's treatment centers in Ontario, Canada. PARTICIPANTS: Health records data from youth with CP (n=587) and young adults with CP (n=477) contributed to this study. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The most common reasons for hospital admission, relative frequencies of admissions for each reason, and mean LOS were reported. RESULTS: The analysis of CIHI records identified epilepsy and pneumonia as the top 2 reasons for admissions in both age groups. Both age groups were commonly admitted because of infections other than pneumonia and urinary tract infections (UTIs), gastrointestinal (GI) problems such as malabsorption, and mental illness. The reasons that were unique to youth included orthopedic and joint-related issues, other respiratory problems, and scoliosis. In young adults, mental illness was the third most common reason for admission, followed by lower GI or constipation problems, malnutrition or dehydration, upper GI problems, fractures, and UTIs. CONCLUSIONS: This article provides important clinical information that can be used in the training of physicians and health care providers, and to guide future planning of ambulatory care services to support the clinical management of persons with CP over their lifespan.