RESUMO
Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) on bowel function by measuring the frequency of evacuation, stool consistency, and severity of constipation in children with cerebral palsy (CP) and determining caregiver burden. Patients and methods: This retrospective pilot study was conducted with 30 children (16 males, 14 females; mean age 8.8±3.2 years; range, 6 to 11 years) with CP between January 2019 and July 2019. Patients were equally divided into two groups: the RAGT group and the control group. Both groups underwent conventional physical therapy. The RAGT group underwent RAGT in addition to physical therapy. The results of the Bristol Stool Scale, the Constipation Assessment Scale, and the frequency of defecation before and after the study were recorded. Caregivers of children in both groups were asked to answer five questions regarding their burden at the beginning of the study and the end of the study. Results: While a significant improvement was found in defecation frequency in the RAGT group (p=0.01), defecation frequency was not significantly improved in the control group (p>0.999). Bristol Stool Scale scores changed significantly within both groups (p<0.05). Constipation Assessment Scale scores significantly changed only in the RAGT group (p=0.01). A significant positive change in caregiver burden was observed in the RAGT group (p<0.05). Conclusion: Robot-assisted gait training has positive effects on the frequency of defecation, stool consistency, and constipation severity in children with CP and caregiver burden.
RESUMO
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a combined robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) with standard physiotherapy (PT) on trunk control and posture in non-ambulatory children with cerebral palsy (CP). This nonrandomized, controlled study included 31 CP assigned into two groups. Study Group: RAGT (three times a week, 30 min/session, for 6 weeks) + PT. Control group: PT only. The patients were evaluated using gross motor function measure (GMFM)-88 (Section B, Sitting) and Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS), pre-treatment and 3rd month post-treatment. In the RAGT group, significant improvements were observed in the GMFM-B and TIS scores at the 3rd month post-treatment (p < 0.05). Comparison of the changes in GMFM-B and TIS scores from end to beginning of the study, the change in TIS static are significantly higher in the RAGT group than control group (p < 0.05). Addition of RAGT to standard physiotherapy seems to improve trunk control, sitting balance, and posture in non-ambulatory CP.