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This study aims to evaluate whether applying a targeted downward force during gait can enhance motor adaptation in children with cerebral palsy.

Increasing error at targeted phase of gait facilitates motor adaptation for improving crouch gait in children with cerebral palsy

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Randomized trial reveals that targeted perturbations improve crouch gait in children with CP, suggesting new intervention strategies.

This study aims to evaluate whether applying a targeted downward force during gait can enhance motor adaptation in children with cerebral palsy.
Twelve children with CP participated in treadmill walking under three force conditions: early-stance, mid-stance, and constant.
Each session involved baseline walking, followed by adaptation with force, and a post-adaptation period.
Kinematics and EMG data were recorded from both legs during the experiment.
Children showed a significant decrease in peak knee flexion during the mid-stance condition (p=0.04), indicating improved crouch gait.
No significant changes were observed for the constant and early-stance conditions (p>0.05).
Findings suggest that targeted perturbations in mid-stance are more effective for facilitating motor adaptation.

Hameeduddin et al. (2026) studied this question.

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