Effects of robotic rehabilitation on walking and balance in pediatric patients with hemiparetic cerebral palsy

Effects of Robotic-Assisted Gait Training in Children and Adolescents with Cerebral Palsy: A Network Meta-Analysis

“…The number of records identified through electronic searches was 112—in addition, 8 more articles were identified through other sources. After eliminating duplicate citations and screening, 27 full-text articles were evaluated for possible eligibility, of which 8 articles were finally included in the NMA [ 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 ] ( Figure 1 ).…”

“…Of the eight meta-analyzed studies, two were conducted in Italy [ 28 , 31 ], two in Turkey [ 34 , 35 ], one in Mexico [ 29 ], one in Poland [ 30 ], one in the USA [ 32 ], and one in France [ 33 ]. Three studies were carried out in hospitals [ 29 , 32 , 34 ], and the rest in ambulatory health centers and universities.…”

“…The total number of subjects included in the studies was 217, with a mean age of 9.57 years, and an average 54.45% of male patients. Regarding the type of CP, five studies reported subjects with only bilateral spastic involvement [ 28 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 ], two studies with only unilateral spastic involvement [ 29 , 35 ], and one study included both conditions [ 34 ]. The GMFCS level ranged from I to IV, with level II being the most represented (included in all studies), followed by level III (five studies) [ 28 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 34 ].…”

“…The GMFCS level ranged from I to IV, with level II being the most represented (included in all studies), followed by level III (five studies) [ 28 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 34 ]. Regarding the gait robot used, five studies used the Lokomat [ 29 , 30 , 31 , 33 , 34 ] and three studies used the 3DCaLT [ 32 ], Gait Trainer [ 28 ], and Innowalk-Pro [ 35 ], respectively. The number of RAGT sessions carried out varied from 10 to 40 sessions, with a duration of 30 to 45 min per session, which may or may not be accompanied by physiotherapy treatment.…”

“…All participants in the control groups received physiotherapy treatment, the content of which varied across the different studies. Regarding the dimensions of the ICF [ 21 ], function was recorded in all studies, activity in five studies [ 28 , 31 , 32 , 34 , 35 ], and participation in one study [ 35 ]. In addition, all studies described a homogeneous treatment for each group, and except for one [ 30 ], the existence of informed consent was specified.…”