CASE REPORT: THE EFFECTS OF PARTIAL BODY WEIGHT TREADMILL TRAINING ON A CHILD WITH CEREBRAL PALSY. Madeliene Atzeva*; Raichelle Garcia; Margie Moran; Margaret Michaels Slippery Rock University, Slippery Rock, PA UNIQUE: Partial body weight treadmill training (PBWTT) has been shown to be effective in the rehabilitation of individuals following stroke and/or spinal cord injury. Feasibility of this modality has been investigated in children with cerebral palsy. However, the carryover effects on over ground gait parameters, as well as function, have not been examined in ambulatory children with cerebral palsy. PURPOSE: The intent of this case report was to determine the effects of PBWTT on: (1) gait parameters including: speed, cadence, stride length, and percent in swing phase; (2) function, and (3) range of motion (ROM) of the hip flexor and hamstring muscle groups. FOUNDATION: By facilitating the repetitive practice of complex gait cycles, it is thought that PBWTT promotes the activation of central pattern generator networks linked to locomotor control. DESCRIPTION: The participant was a 14-year-old boy diagnosed with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy. Some of his deficits included: hip flexor and hamstring muscle tightness as well as lack of functional plantar flexion strength. Intervention consisted of PBWTT twice a week for 4 weeks. The protocol incorporated downhill walking on 5 % incline to stimulate plantar flexors. The subject’s speed, cadence, stride length, and percent in swing phase were analyzed weekly, using the GaitRite TM electronic system. The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) was administered weekly to measure changes in functional performance and satisfaction according to participant’s goals. Hip flexor range of motion was measured using the Thomas test. Hamstring flexibility was measured in supine with the hips at 90 degrees. Muscle ROM was assessed before and after each treatment session. Visual analysis of the obtained data was employed to identify the presence of a trend of change. OBSERVATIONS: Results did not show consistent trends in gait parameters; however, increase in the COPMs performance and satisfaction scores was demonstrated. Flexibility of hip flexors and hamstring muscle groups was not consistent between training sessions, however, ROM increased with average of pre to post treatment each session. The subject was also observed to demonstrate a more erect posture and improved heel strike while in the harness. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the absence of a consistent trend in the data, 4 weeks was sufficient to show observable changes in function and gait parameters. Future research should emphasize evaluation of long-term carryover effects to over ground walking and effectiveness of PBWTT for multiple weeks. FUNDING SOURCE: Slippery Rock University, Graduate School of Physical Therapy. KEYWORDS: gait, cerebral palsy, child, partial body weight weight treadmill training Copyright 2009 by the American Physical Therapy Association. Requests for reprints should be directed to the corresponding author of the article. Educators, students, and other academic customers may receive permission to reprint copyrighted material from Physical Therapy (ISSN 1538-6724) by contacting the Copyright Clearance Center Inc, 222 Rosewood Dr, Danvers, MA 01923. Other types of customers who want permission to reprint should contact the APTA Editorial Office, Attn: Physical Therapy.