Asymmetrical Gait Training After Pediatric Stroke

Effective rehabilitation after acquired brain injury is essential for reducing the impact of the leading cause of pediatric disability in the United States. Neuroplastic changes in response to physical therapy are likely different in children compared to adults because children are continuing to experience developmental brain maturation while also experiencing the neural changes associated with injury and rehabilitation. The interaction between these two processes is poorly understood but presumably critical for maximizing long term outcomes. Using biomarkers to measure and predict rehabilitation-induced changes will improve rehabilitation prognosis and will facilitate the development of rehabilitation interventions that optimize neuroplastic potential in children. The objectives of this pilot study are to investigate the motor and neural responses to two different rehabilitation programs in children and adolescents with chronic hemiplegia from prior stroke. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive conventional physical therapy or an asymmetrical gait training program. Conventional physical therapy will include activities such as gait and balance training and muscle strengthening. The asymmetrical gait training program uses new technology to train each leg at a different speed during walking practice. Measurements of motor and neural function will occur at five timepoints before, during and after treatment. Motor function measures will include gait symmetry ratios, walking speed, community step activity, and participant and caregiver ratings on self-identified walking goals. Neural measures will include motor response characteristics of muscle contractions elicited in two lower extremity muscles by transcranial magnetic stimulation of the injured cortex. We will also establish a genetic database to identify the presence or absence of two genetic variants [Apolipoprotein E (ApoE Є4) and val66met Brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) polymorphisms] associated with decreased potential for neuroplasticity for planning future investigations. The results will be used to inform the design of larger studies evaluating physical therapy treatments that maximize the capacity of the child's brain to change after neurological injury and identifying predictors of rehabilitation-induced neuroplasticity in children.

Inclusion criteria

• Between 5-17 years of age
• History of unilateral supratentorial arterial ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke
• Onset of stroke at least 6 months before study enrollment
• Ability to walk at least 20 feet without the use of an assistive device
• At least a 5 second difference in single leg stance time between left and right sides
• The ability to return to the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) for the proposed training and testing sessions
• Parental/guardian permission (informed consent) and if appropriate, child assent

Exclusion criteria

• Intracranial metallic or magnetic object or implanted electrical pacing device
• Treatment with botulinum toxin injections to the more affected ankle plantarflexors in the past 3 months
• Cognitive impairment that would prevent completion of the required training and testing activities
• Parents/guardians or participants who, in the opinion of the investigator, may not adhere with study schedules or procedures