Faculty Collaboration Database

Impact of enhanced sensory input on treadmill step frequency: infants born with myelomeningocele. Pediatr Phys Ther 2011;23(1):42-52

Date

01/27/2011

Pubmed ID

21266940

Pubmed Central ID

PMC3461189

DOI

10.1097/PEP.0b013e318206eefa

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-79954415537 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   22 Citations

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.

Author List

Pantall A, Teulier C, Smith BA, Moerchen V, Ulrich BD

Author

Victoria Moerchen BA,BS,MS,PhD Assistant Professor in the Human Movement Sciences department at University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Analysis of Variance
Disability Evaluation
Electromyography
Exercise Test
Female
Health Status Indicators
Humans
Infant
Male
Meningomyelocele
Muscle, Skeletal
Pediatrics
Sensation
Videotape Recording
Walking