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Analysis Study Research Paper | Paediatrics | Volume 15 Issue 4, April 2026 | Pages: 470 - 474 | India
Effectiveness of Robot-Assisted and Functional Gait Rehabilitation Approaches in Improving Gait Performance in Cerebral Palsy: A Systematic Review
Abstract: Children and adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP) present spasticity problems together with postural control deficiencies and muscle weakness and motor coordination difficulties which create obstacles to their walking ability and functional movement. This integrative summary synthesizes evidence from five recent studies evaluating the efficacy of robot assisted gait training (RAGT) and related task-specific intervention in improving gait function among individuals with CP. The researchers conducted a randomized controlled trial on pediatric inpatients with spastic CP which showed that RAGT combined with standard physiotherapy produced significant improvements in walking speed step length and gross motor function compared to conventional therapy. The review revealed moderate to strong evidence supporting task-oriented gait exercises-including treadmill, over ground, and biofeedback-based approaches-for improving walking speed and endurance corroborated these findings, reporting that gait-specific rehabilitation yielded large effect sizes for gait speed improvements, while isolated resistance training alone had negligible impact. Collectively, these results emphasize that repetitive, task-specific gait practice is more effective than strength-focused interventions for enhancing ambulatory outcomes in CP. Overall, this synthesis supports the integration of RAGT and other functional gait training modalities into pediatric and adolescent physiotherapy programs for CP. These interventions enhance motor control, walking efficiency, and gross motor function by providing intensive, repetitive, and task-specific practice. Combining robotic or exoskeleton-assisted gait training with conventional therapy, trunk stabilization, or balance training yields superior outcomes compared to single-modality programs. Future research should focus on optimizing training intensity, frequency, and personalization to maximize functional gains and establish standardized clinical guidelines for robot-assisted gait rehabilitation in cerebral palsy.
Keywords: Cerebral Palsy, Robot-Assisted Gait Training (RAGT), Exoskeleton Training, Functional Gait Training, Treadmill Training, Gait Speed, Balance, Gross Motor Function, Rehabilitation, Pediatric Physiotherapy
How to Cite?: Pavithra P., Senthil Kumar N, "Effectiveness of Robot-Assisted and Functional Gait Rehabilitation Approaches in Improving Gait Performance in Cerebral Palsy: A Systematic Review", Volume 15 Issue 4, April 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 470-474, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR26406133203, DOI: https://dx.dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR26406133203