Printer-friendly versionSend by emailPDF version
TitleImpact of Enhanced Sensory Input on Treadmill Step Frequency: Infants Born With Myelomeningocele
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2011
AuthorsPantall, A., Teulier C., Smith B. A., Moerchen V., & Ulrich B. D.
JournalPediatric Physical Therapy: The Official Publication of the Section on Pediatrics of the American Physical Therapy Association
Date Published2011/01/22/
ISBN Number1538-005X
Abstract

PURPOSE:: To determine the effect of enhanced sensory input on the step frequency of infants with myelomeningocele (MMC) when supported on a motorized treadmill. METHODS:: Twenty-seven infants aged 2 to 10 months with MMC lesions at, or caudal to, L1 participated. We supported infants upright on the treadmill for 2 sets of 6 trials, each 30 seconds long. Enhanced sensory inputs within each set were presented in random order and included baseline, visual flow, unloading, weights, Velcro, and friction. RESULTS:: Overall friction and visual flow significantly increased step rate, particularly for the older subjects. Friction and Velcro increased stance-phase duration. Enhanced sensory input had minimal effect on leg activity when infants were not stepping. CONCLUSIONS:: Increased friction via Dycem and enhancing visual flow via a checkerboard pattern on the treadmill belt appear to be more effective than the traditional smooth black belt surface for eliciting stepping patterns in infants with MMC.

URLhttp://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21266940

Your Kinesiology Connection

Return to top