Use of obstacle gait training to improve balance in children with developmental delay: A single case study

Abstract

Balance is one of the major component of the development of the brain. Balance impairment is a common complaint in children with developmental delay and hypotonia as they lack muscle control. The purpose of this study is to find out the effect of obstacle gait training to improve balance in pediatric patients. A 3 year old baby presented to physical therapy when she was 6 months old by the primary care giver as she was having global developmental delay and hypotonia. She is undergoing physical therapy treatment for 6 days/week. She regained normal muscle tone but the balance was still affected. She presented to skilled outpatient therapy where she was seen for 6 times per week for three weeks. Her primary care giver complained that she avoids activities that requires her to balance. PBS was used to assess the pre and postintervention values. Her PBS improved 11 points post-intervention. She was able to ascend the stairs independently and was able to initiate to descend the stairs independently. Obstacle gait training was found to be beneficial in improving this patient's balance. This case report gives insight to clinicians to improve balance with the use of obstacle gait training. This study concludes that use of obstacle gait training in conjunction with the conventional rehabilitation program improves balance in children with developmental delay.