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Locomotor Training Using Body-Weight Support on a Treadmill in Conjunction With Ongoing Physical Therapy in a Child With Severe Cerebellar Ataxia

K Cernak, PT, DPT, MPH, is Physical Therapist, Division of Physical Therapy, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington Medical Center, 1959 NE Pacific St, Seattle, WA 98195 (USA)
V Stevens, PT, is Physical Therapist, Division of Physical Therapy, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington Medical Center
R Price, MSME, is Research Scientist, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington Medical Center
A Shumway-Cook, PT, PhD, FAPTA, is Professor, Division of Physical Therapy, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington Medical Center

Address all correspondence to Dr Cernak at: Cernak{at}u.washington.edu

Background and Purpose: This case report describes the effects of locomotor training using body-weight support (BWS) on a treadmill and during overground walking on mobility in a child with severe cerebellar ataxia who was nonambulatory. To date, no studies have examined the efficacy of this intervention in people with cerebellar ataxia.

Case Description: The patient was a 13-year-old girl who had a cerebellar/brainstem infarct 16 months before the intervention. Her long-term goal was to walk independently in her home with a walker.

Intervention: Locomotor training using a BWS system both on the treadmill and during overground walking was implemented 5 days a week for 4 weeks in a clinic. Locomotor training using BWS on a treadmill was continued 5 days a week for 4 months at home.

Outcomes: Prior to training, she was able to take steps on her own with the help of another person, but did not take full weight on her feet or walk on a regular basis. At 6 months, she walked for household distances. Prior to training, her Pediatric Functional Independence Measure scores were 3 (moderate assistance) for all transfers, 2 (maximal assistance) for walking, and 1 (total assistance) for stairs. At 6 months, her scores were 6 (modified independence) for transfers, 5 (supervision) for walking, and 4 (minimal assistance) for stairs. Prior to training, she was unable to take independent steps during treadmill walking; at 6 months, all of her steps were unassisted.

Discussion and Conclusion: Locomotor training using BWS on a treadmill in conjunction with overground gait training may be an effective way to improve ambulatory function in individuals with severe cerebellar ataxia, but the intensity and duration of training required for functionally significant improvements may be prolonged.

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