Abstract

Introduction: In recent years, the use of gait training using robotic assistance systems has progressively increased in the paediatric population with cerebral palsy. Objective: To systematically assess the effects of robotic assistance for gait training compared with physical rehabilitation therapy in children with cerebral palsy (CP), based on the International Classification of Functioning, Health and Disability (ICF). Materials and methods: A systematic review was carried out according to the recommendations of the Cochrane Collaboration. We included randomised or quasi-randomised clinical trials that analysed children with CP classified according to The Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) I-III. The search was carried out in PubMed, PEDro, CENTRAL, CINALH, Cochrane, Embase, Europe PMC, LILACS and Science Direct. The selection and extraction of data from the studies was carried out by two independent researchers. Disagreements were resolved by consensus. A descriptive analysis of the selected studies was performed. Assessment of risk of bias was performed with the Cochrane Collaboration tool. Results: Four studies met the eligibility criteria. Most of the temporal-spatial, kinetic and kinematic parameters of gait were evaluated, all corresponding to the activity component of the ICF. Conclusions: Due to the methodological variability of the studies, it is not possible to determine whether robot-assisted gait training is effective for treatment in children with CP.