@article{ref1,
title="Feasibility of motor-assisted elliptical to improve walking, fitness and balance following pediatric acquired brain injury: a case series",
journal="Journal of pediatric rehabilitation medicine",
year="2021",
author="Burnfield, Judith M. and Cesar, Guilherme M. and Buster, Thad W.",
volume="ePub",
number="ePub",
pages="ePub-ePub",
abstract="PURPOSE: Walking, fitness, and balance deficits are common following acquired brain injury (ABI). This study assessed feasibility, acceptability, and usefulness of a modified motor-assisted elliptical (ICARE) in addressing walking, fitness, and balance deficits in children with chronic ABIs. <br><br>METHODS: Three children (>  5 years post-ABI) completed 24 ICARE exercise sessions (exercise time, speed, and time overriding motor-assistance gradually increased) to promote mass repetition of gait-like movements and challenge cardiorespiratory fitness. Parents' and children's perceptions of ICARE's safety, comfort, workout, and usability were assessed. Cardiovascular response, gait and balance outcomes were assessed. <br><br>RESULTS: No adverse events occurred. Parent's Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores of perceived device safety (range 80-99), workout (range 99-100), and usability (range 75-100) were high, while comfort were 76-80 given commercial harness fit and arm support. Children's VAS scores all exceeded 89. Comfortable walking velocity, 2-Minute Walk Test, fitness, and Pediatric Balance Scale scores improved post-training, with many outcomes surpassing established minimal clinically important differences. <br><br>CONCLUSION: Following engagement in moderate- to vigorous-intensity exercise promoting repetitive step-like movements on a specially adapted motor-assisted elliptical, three children with chronic ABI demonstrated improvements in walking, fitness and balance. Future research in community-based environments with a larger cohort of children with ABI is needed.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="1874-5393",
doi="10.3233/PRM-200717",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.3233/PRM-200717"
}