[Source:  Your Therapy Source]

Recent research was completed that compared treadmill training versus overground walking effects on balance skills using a randomized controlled trial with blinded evaluator. The participants were children with cerebral palsy ages 3-12, GMFCS levels I through III. The experimental group received 30 minute treadmill training session two times per week for 7 weeks. The control group participated in overground walking, 30 minute sessions, 2 times per week, also for 7 weeks.
The results indicated the following:

• both groups exhibited better functional balance after the protocol.
• the experimental group had higher Berg balance scale scores and exhibited lesser mediolateral oscillation with eyes open in comparison to the control group.

The researchers concluded that treadmill training had greater effects on balance skills and  mediolateral oscillation than the overground walking.
Reference:  Grecco LA, Tomita SM, Christovão TC, Pasini H, Sampaio LM, Oliveira CS. Effect of treadmill gait training on static and functional balance in children with cerebral palsy: a randomized controlled trial. Rev Bras Fisioter. 2013 Feb;17(1):17-23.
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